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
The two sisters are shaken up when a mysterious figure (Pace) arrives in their quaint New England town. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 Year after year, the Global Women’s Summit has brought together women who are shaking up the status quo and reimagining the future. — Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
Weiss believes the program is in dire need of a shake-up and has to be made more relevant to digital audiences and younger viewers. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 July 2026 Despite the recent shake-up, Zelenskyy tried to present a unified front in his Telegram message Tuesday announcing the dismissal of Syrskyi. — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 21 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
  • The monk-to-entrepreneur pipeline has shocked some of his fans and followers who say making $21 million a year is antithetical to a monk lifestyle.
    — Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The last memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington in June shocked many sanctions experts by how much the US gave away to Iran for very little in exchange.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • However, the industry recently faced a significant shakeout, with many firms collapsing amid platform crackdowns.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Citadel’s tactical trading fund also weathered a late-June shakeout in quantitative investing.
    — Yun Li, CNBC, 2 July 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
  • Nothing in twelve months of directives, license grants and product shutdowns suggests that trade is on the table.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Senate passed a bipartisan bill to avert a federal government shutdown starting in October, and the measure now heads to the House.
    — Theodoric Meyer, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of shutdown
Verb
  • Nascimento’s sudden death stunned the mixed martial arts community.
    — David K. Li, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Designed by architect Bart Prince, this sculptural spot stuns with floor-to-ceiling windows and six viewing decks with impressive vistas of the Sandia Mountains.
    — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of stun
Noun
  • Carrier iPhone Subsidies & Subscription Offsets The September launch window aligns directly with annual telecommunications upgrade cycles and Wall Street Fourth Quarter balance sheet closing metrics.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Many Bristol residents took to social media to show their appreciation for the nonprofit after the announcement of the closing was made on Friday.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of closing

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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 11 Aug. 2026.

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