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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1
as in bunk
Related Words
2
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shake down
William Pesek, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Law firms are shaken down into submission.
—Christopher Bouzy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2025
This summer's shakedown cruise will be a low-altitude demonstration of Taiga's capabilities.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Verb
The message Tokyo is taking away from this is to slow-walk disbursements hoping the U.S. Supreme Court rules Trump lacks the authority to shake down trading partners via tariffs.
—William Pesek, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Law firms are shaken down into submission.
—Christopher Bouzy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
Also going to the library: the proceeds of settlements that Trump has wrung out of media and tech companies following lawsuits that many critics have characterized as blatant shakedowns.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2025
This summer's shakedown cruise will be a low-altitude demonstration of Taiga's capabilities.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake down
Verb
-
The only reason that Bikini Frankenstein does not rank higher on this list is because putting a softcore porno at the top would feel like cheating.—
Katie Rife,
Vulture,
9 Nov. 2025
-
But like his predecessor, this Frankenstein is just as obsessed with immortality and cheating death through science.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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But the production of new types of slop widens the on‑ramps, allowing more people to participate—just as the Internet and social media birthed bunk but also new kinds of creators.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Tucked away in the rear corner on the opposite end of the trailer, the bunk room features a pair of bunk beds for the kids, along with a set of stairs up to the upper bunk.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The Missouri Tigers will face their first power conference test Wednesday.—
Scott Chasen,
Kansas City Star,
10 Nov. 2025
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The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people, including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.—
Kelly McGreal , Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The 38-foot-long aircraft, with a modular design, can fly more than 2,300 miles, deliver fighter-like performance, and enhance intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical early warning missions by fusing sensor and payload data from multiple platforms.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Developed for the Swedish Navy and aligned with NATO interoperability standards, the A26 is engineered for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as long-range precision strikes and seabed warfare.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
As an architectural blacksmith, Guillory favored Japanese denim jeans—a balance of craftsmanship and professionalism—for client meetings squeezed between long days welding staircases and chandeliers.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Nov. 2025
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But their arrival has coincided with a spike in housing prices, which has squeezed many locals out of the market.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Take the quiz here … TOPLESS READS – Kendall Jenner bares all in beach hammock as family documents lavish vacation.—
,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Each of the 21 beachfront villas and residences are equipped with breezy living areas, a private infinity pool, open-air showers, and hammocks strung between coconut palms near the ocean.—
Mark Ellwood,
AFAR Media,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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During rehearsal, Armstrong seemed free of any cellophane wrapping.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
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Variety caught up with Thayil last weekend during a break from rehearsals for the show.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Electric vehicles have accelerated the search for more efficient and affordable ways to power next-generation transport.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
-
During the search for Kenney, Charleston police deployed multiple resources, including K9 units, an underwater recovery team, the police’s unmanned aerial system team and harbor patrol.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shake down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20down. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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