shake up 1 of 2

verb

Definition of shake upnext
as in to shock
to cause an unpleasant surprise for the news that we had failed the auto inspection shook us up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shake-up

2 of 2

noun

as in shakeout

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of shake up
Verb
After the Warriors had been upset in the first round of the 1992 playoffs by Seattle despite a 55-27 record, the coach shook up the roster in an effort to take the next step toward a title. — Carl Steward, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026 The final episode's preview teases an all-out war between the Targaryens and Hightowers, as well as shocking betrayals that are sure to shake up the series. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
Once viewed as a hobby reserved solely for the post-retirement generation, birdwatching or birding has had a serious shake-up. — Lydia Swinscoe, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 The problem is that the satellite industry is facing a shake-up as major players vie to create next-gen satellite-to-phone services. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shake up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake up
  1. shock
  2. shakeout
  3. appall
  4. shutdown
  5. stun
  6. closing
Verb
  • Kenan Thompson, her co-star on All That, was shocked by the news and shared a photo of the late actress online in a touching tribute.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Prune only about a third at a time to avoid shocking the plant; stagger cuts over time.
    — Mallory Carra, The Spruce, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • There was a sharp shakeout in March that took the stock back near $77 and the 200-day, and the same buyers showed up again.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The layoffs, focused on wine screw cap operations, underscore a statewide shakeout driven by declining demand, rising costs and an oversupply of grapes that is forcing wineries to close and cut jobs.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of shakeout
Verb
  • But those enrolled in drug trials were left appalled by the news.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Perverse incentives For their part, wildfire experts say that they are appalled by the mere existence of prediction markets that allow for trading on these disasters.
    — Cyrus Farivar, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of appall
Noun
  • Attempts at redirecting water were not sufficient to maintain the cooling needs of the reactor, forcing a shutdown.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The fuel crisis, which began gaining momentum in May and by July had spread to almost all regions of Russia, follows the shutdown of several refineries hit in drone attacks and a seasonal rise in demand.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of shutdown
Verb
  • Narwhals have been observed using them to stun small Arctic cod while hunting.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Many in Hollywood and beyond were left stunned by news of the passing of multifaceted performer Hayden Panettiere at age 36, as reported Sunday night.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of stun
Noun
  • The closing of the Strait of Hormuz presents logistic challenges for large construction projects in the region.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • DinoLand’s closing date was first announced in September 2025.
    — Mackenzie Schmidt, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of closing

Browse Nearby Words

shakes up
shake up
shake-up
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Cite this Entry

“Shake up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20up. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of shake up for Spanish Speakers

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