as in to shock
to cause an unpleasant surprise for
the news that we had failed the auto inspection shook us up
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Recent Examples of shake up
David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
On February 4, 2023, fashion house Louis Vuitton shook up the fashion world with the announcement that Pharrell was to become artistic director of its men's collections.
—Valentine Ulgu-Servant, Vanity Fair, 23 Jan. 2026
Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
That shake-up was on display within days of starting.
—Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shake up
Verb
Mayor Karen Bass, running for a second term in the June 2 election, is shaking up that routine, by delivering two different State of the City addresses nearly three months apart.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
On February 4, 2023, fashion house Louis Vuitton shook up the fashion world with the announcement that Pharrell was to become artistic director of its men's collections.
—Valentine Ulgu-Servant, Vanity Fair, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
For some teams, that involves a shake-up in the coaching staff and front office.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
That shake-up was on display within days of starting.
—Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shake up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake up
Verb
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The criminal investigation, which Powell announced this month, shocked and infuriated senators, both Republican and Democratic.—
Steve Kopack,
NBC news,
30 Jan. 2026
-
As the boy started singing, the crowd was shocked at his talent and began to cheer.—
Jack Irvin,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The shakeout in luxury retail that has claimed the parent company of Saks 5th Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus is about to hit shoppers.—
Emily Lorsch,
NBC news,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Private equity is going through a shakeout.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But just as those supporters should not be blamed for having mixed feelings, so Spurs staff would be entirely justified in feeling bemused, frustrated and appalled by any suggestion that fans do not want to get a result, just as Postecoglou was two years ago.—
Dan Kilpatrick,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
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The unconscionable treatment of maids in Alma’s era finds uncomfortable parallels in the 1980s, when Angelika is both appalled and intrigued by the leering looks of her uncle Uwe (Konstantin Lindhorst).—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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An additional $20 million for body cameras was included in the bipartisan federal funding package that was approved by the Senate late last week ahead of a deadline to prevent a government shutdown.—
Rebecca Santana,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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Democrats and Republicans in the Senate quickly struck a deal to only fund DHS until the end of the week, causing a partial government shutdown until the House could approve the new version.—
Marissa Meador,
IndyStar,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Continue reading … PRIME PERFORMANCE – Trump-hating Hollywood stunned as ‘Melania’ documentary rakes in millions.—
,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
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The Jets scored two goals on only five third-period shots to stun a staggering Panthers bunch 2-1 at home.—
Adam Beasley,
Miami Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Is the Bahama Breeze in Jacksonville closing?—
Doris Alvarez Cea,
Florida Times-Union,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies in 1956, along with hockey and figure skating.—
Kevin Collier,
NBC news,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shake up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20up. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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