as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
the rumor is that he started his career shaking people down as an enforcer for the mob
Synonyms & Similar Words
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1
as in bunk
Related Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shake down
Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Most years, the BAFTA nominations are a crucial insight for prognosticators into how Oscar nominations will shake down.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
Tariq Malik, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Tyrone Blackburn's claims about [Fat Joe] were nothing more than an elaborate shakedown to extract money from him.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Verb
The laps were completed as part of a promotional filming day, serving the dual purpose of gathering footage of the car on track, and the opportunity to shake down the car to ensure all systems are working as expected in preparation for official pre-season testing.
—Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Most years, the BAFTA nominations are a crucial insight for prognosticators into how Oscar nominations will shake down.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
The Artemis 2 astronauts have already completed a huge number of tests on their list so far for this Orion spacecraft shakedown cruise.
—Tariq Malik, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Tyrone Blackburn's claims about [Fat Joe] were nothing more than an elaborate shakedown to extract money from him.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake down
Verb
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Teachers are certainly no strangers to cheating.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Everyone in this film has got a con (or five), lying and cheating non-stop, but Wilder doesn't pass judgment.—
Debby Wolfinsohn,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But use of the six pods, arranged in a triple-bunk style layout between cabins, will put fliers in close proximity to others, prompting the airline to publish etiquette notes.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
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Elsewhere, a sunlit atrium is visible from a bunk room, as well as the guest apartment’s living and dining areas.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The tests did show, though, that the animals did not receive adequate care at the property.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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In the trailer, the Wicked Oscar nominee can be seen in the hot seat, continuing the Focker family tradition of being interviewed while strapped to a lie detector test.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Elbit’s intelligence surveillance target acquisition and reconnaissance and electronic warfare business will grow by 15%, driven by development of high power laser technologies, Bank of America said.—
Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
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The aircraft would have multiple uses, including as a strike fighter, conducting reconnaissance and transporting cargo.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Focusing on everyday shapewear, Yummie hugs instead of squeezes like traditional shapewear that can be extremely tight and constrictive.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
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All movies need a 45-day exclusive theatrical window, because small and mid-budget movies that hit streaming sooner are getting squeezed.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Haulover Cut has already fragmented into an unrecognizable jumble of marsh and hammocks behind Kiawah Island.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Apr. 2026
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Jonathan is standing over Coach, who is lounging in a hammock like a bruised banana that is too good to touch the counter.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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There is no rehearsal, no director, with each night promising a unique, one-off event shaped entirely by the individual talent on stage.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Apr. 2026
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Crystal got a little schnockered and told stories about meeting Berle at rehearsals for SNLWHC and at Spago.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The male wolf, named Neukgu, burrowed out of his enclosure at the O-World zoo in Daejeon on April 8, prompting a search that gripped the nation and raised fears about his safety.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
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The search for the Martin family was a national news story at the time and led some to speculate about the possibility of foul play, with a $1,000 reward offered for information.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shake down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20down. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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