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

Related Words

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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
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
  • 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
  • So when the couple decided to add an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, next to their home in Northeast Los Angeles, the price tag stunned them.
    — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • On May 19, the United Kingdom—and the rest of the world—was stunned to hear the news of King Charles's death.
    — Blanche Marcel, Vanity Fair, 11 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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