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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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
Shakira will be shaking up Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza with a concert on November 28, promoter Rabih Mokbel told the National. — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Later, the Sun squares Uranus, shaking up plans, routines, or preferences. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
In mid-August, OpenAI announced a new chief revenue officer—its fifth C-suite shake-up in the past year, but arguably its most important as the company sprints toward what could be an historic IPO, Forlini writes. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Fedorov was dismissed in July as part of a broader government shake-up. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 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
  • Otherwise, considering the Seahawks had only three safeties on their initial 53-man roster, I wouldn’t be shocked if a cornerback entered the lineup.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • When it was released in 2016, Hero shocked the country music establishment in more ways than one.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 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
  • While some praised Galliano’s immeasurable talent as a fashion designer, others were appalled by the choice, given his previous offenses and the rise of antisemitic attacks in New York City and internationally.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Her supporters and longtime Christian collaborators are appalled by the backlash.
    — Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of appall
Noun
  • Last October, during what became the longest government shutdown in American history, the President posted a series of photographs of his renovation of the White House’s Lincoln Bathroom.
    — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That combination of mobility, length and assertiveness fuels belief that Šmits can be a shutdown NHL defender.
    — Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of shutdown
Verb
  • Video footage from an AP camera crew shows damage to the building, then stunned and wounded people emerging.
    — Nick Holdstock, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Suhey, 68, died in his sleep Saturday night, according to multiple teammates who were stunned.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of stun
Noun
  • Young actor Jung is also terrific, as a boy who perhaps understands more than his parents give him credit for, something hinted at in a closing reveal.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The sound of the transfer window closing always brings a certain relief.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of closing

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shakes 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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