SHAKES Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

shakes 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of shake

as in shudders

to make a series of small irregular or violent movements the bus rattled and shook as it barreled down a rutted road

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in avoids

to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery we shook our pursuers by cutting through the abandoned lot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shakes

2 of 2

noun

plural of shake

as in shivers

a sense of panic or extreme nervousness I get the shakes every time I hear her voice

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 shakes

Verb

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Kuomintang (KMT) party leader Cheng Li-wun in Beijing on Friday, April 10, 2026. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Aug. 2026 Their first and only home exhibition game arrives Friday night, when the Denver Broncos and former Saints coach Sean Payton (shakes fist) pay a preseason visit. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Mike Krukow shakes hands with Jackson Flora, the San Francisco Giants 1st pick of the 2026 MLB Draft, as Duane Kuiper observes at Oracle Park on July 29, 2026 in San Francisco, California. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 The team will want to have about $1 million for the deadline, but if an expensive player shakes loose in the next two months, Edmonton is in a good position to make a move. — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Consider paintings like Caracalla, where the titular emperor treads a trail of rose petals; or In a Rose Garden, where a woman shakes the petals of a rose bush down on her companion; and the extravaganza of The Roses of Heliogabalus. — Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2026 Dollar Tree quietly stocks shelf-stable protein shakes, protein bars and cheese sticks that can round out a breakfast or refuel a busy afternoon without straining a tight budget. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026 Shelf-stable protein shakes worth stocking Shelf-stable protein shakes are one of the easiest ways to add protein to a busy day, and Dollar Tree carries a couple of options that don’t require refrigeration until opened. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 16, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 Now, a ritual for expectant parents who are prepping for a momentous life change and want to squeeze in a little rest, relaxation, and quiet time before the baby comes and shakes things up! — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2026

Noun

Bad Daddy’s previously offered a broader lineup of limited-time menu items that included desserts, shakes and appetizers. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 10 Aug. 2026 After a firm seal and a few shakes, the chicken is ready to fry. — Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026 In addition to coffee, the company serves refreshers, lemonade, iced tea, smoothies, shakes, hot cocoa and sparkling soda. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 31 July 2026 With more than 700 locations across the United States, the franchise sells coffee, energy drinks, fizzy sodas, lemonades, teas, shakes and smoothies. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026 Try adding a few shakes of cinnamon or pumpkin spice blend for warm and cozy notes, or stir in a few drops of almond or vanilla extract. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2026 Since its inception in North Carolina in 1989, Cook Out has been serving burgers, BBQ, chicken, hot dogs, shakes and more. — Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026 The company produces a range of lactose-free products — which beyond milk, includes protein shakes. — Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026 Shelf-stable protein shakes worth stocking Shelf-stable protein shakes are one of the easiest ways to add protein to a busy day, and Dollar Tree carries a couple of options that don’t require refrigeration until opened. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 16, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shakes

Verb

The American flag has never been among those Davis shudders to make.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 6 June 2026
Nothing much really happens in this movie after Philip’s initial arrest, but the world viscerally shudders under Lucy’s feet every time one of her husband’s alibis falls apart.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 15 May 2026

Definition of shudders

Verb

Commentary on his work often describes it as a critique of race or capitalism but gingerly avoids the more superficial observation that these behaviors have a resemblance to certain presentations of psychosis.

— Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
This approach leverages employer relationships, avoids high customer acquisition costs, and ensures unbiased advice.

— Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of avoids

Noun

Speaking to Julia Cunningham on her eponymous podcast, Adams says the moment when Cecile realizes her half-sister is the serial killer (while her mom was a plain ol’ one-off manslaughterer) still gives her the shivers.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
Judith claims to be a forensic accountant, but is actually a career assassin whose very name sends shivers of fear through her enemies and ones of excitement through her admirers.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026

Definition of shivers

Verb

In a viral video of the aftermath, the robot jerks back and forth to shake the glass off, showering yet more dangerous shards onto the sidewalk.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 26 Mar. 2026
Ross’s video does not show if the SUV made contact with him, as the camera angle jerks up to the sky.

— Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026

Definition of jerks

Verb

This skin-crawling faux-documentary concerns a prolific New York serial killer who evades capture despite recording his brazen crimes.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
However, Noussair Mazraoui evades Casemiro’s challenge far too easily before Bilal El Khannouss releases Achraf Hakimi on the far side.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of evades

Noun

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes the breakdown of the protective covering of nerves, resulting in numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
Warming the roof of the mouth—for example, by pressing the tongue against the palate or drinking a room-temperature beverage—can hasten recovery from brain freeze by allowing blood vessels and sensory nerves to return to their usual state.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of nerves

Verb

This painstakingly restored 4K version looks and sounds gorgeous; cinematographer Dante Spinotti’s work glows with saturated vibrancy, and Michel Rubini and the Reds’ score vibrates on a spooky synth frequency.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026
When the patch vibrates, that movement creates an electrical signal.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of vibrates

Verb

One of the most iconic New England summer escapes, Nantucket is known for its clapboard cottages (and, sure, mega-mansions), sandy beaches, hydrangeas, and elite charm.

— Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2026
When the Delgado family escapes their house, they are surrounded by other, far more hostile creatures.

— Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026