shake down 1 of 2

verb

Definition of shake downnext
as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats the rumor is that he started his career shaking people down as an enforcer for the mob

Synonyms & Similar Words

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shakedown

2 of 2

noun

1
as in bunk

Related Words
2
as in test

Related Words
3
as in reconnaissance

Related 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 down
Verb
Federal prosecutors, however, are alleging a complex plot to not only shake down Edens but also to hide evidence from the FBI. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026 This brainstorm is aimed at shaking down travel booking platforms. — Susan Shelley, Daily News, 13 May 2026
Noun
Implied in the shakedown of Meta is that before Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, life for teens and those adjacent to that age range was of a blissful nature. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The submarine then spent several months in shakedown operations, testing, and evaluation to check its systems and performance. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shake down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake down
  1. cheat
  2. bunk
  3. test
  4. reconnaissance
  5. squeeze
  6. hammock
  7. rehearsal
  8. search
Verb
  • But the idea that girls are being cheated is personal for some athletes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Miller—who is no stranger to extramarital tabloid scandals herself—has also mastered her getting-cheated-on performances.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of cheat
Noun
  • The well-size main bedroom has leafy views and another decorative fireplace, although the person doing the listing’s photos has oddly chosen to hide it behind a bed; the second bedroom can easily handle a bunk-bed situation plus a sideboard.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The 19th century is long gone; phrenology is and was always bunk—so what lesson can the specimens teach me?
    — Daniel Barnum, Longreads, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of bunk
Noun
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing one of the most significant electoral tests of his decades-long political career after three years of war, crisis and global outcry over the country's military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
    — Yarden Segev, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
  • In a test involving the recognition of symbols, Cortical reports that linking up seven biological computers increased accuracy in results from around 80% to 99%.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of test
Noun
  • The reconnaissance of Phobos by MMX could also help future mission planners consider whether the moon is a suitable location for human exploration, perhaps as a stopover between Earth and Mars, Kawakatsu said.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Then, a friend told her about Holy Family in Springfield, which prompted her reconnaissance mission.
    — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of reconnaissance
Verb
  • For hungry Southerners trying to squeeze a meal into their lunch breaks, that’s a major blunder.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Push through the soles of your feet and squeeze your glutes to drive your hips upward.
    — Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of squeeze
Noun
  • The exterior is well equipped for leisurely days—including a shaded hammock, large deck, and a fire pit with Adirondack chairs beneath a string of bistro lights.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Its campsites are shaded by tall pine trees, ideal for hanging a hammock.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of hammock
Noun
  • Bishop Martha Mary Sherman, left, carries a crucifix and stand while priests Linda Wilcox, center, and Mary Smith carry other items for a rehearsal for Annie Girresch’s ordination.
    — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • To prepare for the performance, Okatsuka studied the choreography at home before meeting with the Rams cheerleaders to run the routine at their weekly rehearsals.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of rehearsal
Noun
  • Flights carrying soldiers and military equipment from El Salvador continued to arrive on Monday in Haiti, where search and rescue operations for four missing Salvadoran aviation technicians remain ongoing.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Firing Riley now would leave athletic director Jen Cohen in a similarly tough position, with months of speculation surrounding a high-pressure search.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of search

Browse Nearby Words

shake a leg
shake down
shakedown
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Cite this Entry

“Shake down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20down. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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