as in appalling
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 shaking up
In The Dressmaker, for example, World War II is just something that’s happening, shaking up a world of repression and poverty.
—
Christopher Tayler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
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
The pair first meet at karaoke on New Year's Eve, and reunite when Gabriella unexpectedly transfers to East High — and the unlikely duo audition for the school musical, shaking up the drama and athletics departments.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
He's now threatened tariffs on eight NATO allies who have expressed their opposition to the idea, and that is shaking up the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week.
—NPR, 21 Jan. 2026
Kubasik sees this as the first step toward shaking up an industry long plagued by oligopolistic hangovers and kicking off a new wave of dealmaking.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Born in England in 1950, Branson left school early due to dyslexia and learned business by doing—launching Student magazine, founding Virgin Records, and later shaking up aviation with Virgin Atlantic.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2026
See video … Tune in to the FOX NEWS RUNDOWN PODCAST for in-depth reporting on how Mamdani’s mayoral win in New York City could be shaking up the party’s direction.
—FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
The 34-year-old Democratic socialist’s win in the primary was a stunner, shaking up a race than many thought was Cuomo’s to lose.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
Christopher Tayler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
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
The pair first meet at karaoke on New Year's Eve, and reunite when Gabriella unexpectedly transfers to East High — and the unlikely duo audition for the school musical, shaking up the drama and athletics departments.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
He's now threatened tariffs on eight NATO allies who have expressed their opposition to the idea, and that is shaking up the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week.
—NPR, 21 Jan. 2026
Kubasik sees this as the first step toward shaking up an industry long plagued by oligopolistic hangovers and kicking off a new wave of dealmaking.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Born in England in 1950, Branson left school early due to dyslexia and learned business by doing—launching Student magazine, founding Virgin Records, and later shaking up aviation with Virgin Atlantic.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2026
See video … Tune in to the FOX NEWS RUNDOWN PODCAST for in-depth reporting on how Mamdani’s mayoral win in New York City could be shaking up the party’s direction.
—FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
The 34-year-old Democratic socialist’s win in the primary was a stunner, shaking up a race than many thought was Cuomo’s to lose.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaking up
Verb
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Of all the recent poster boys for appalling misbehavior by the State Police, Michael Proctor would of course rank number one.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
4 Jan. 2026
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Truly appalling friend counsel here from Mindy.—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
19 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The hunt for a murder suspect uncovers a crime with shocking legal and ethical implications; Bruno must protect his squad during a raid on a suspect's home; Carisi and Price team up in court when Brady's interrogation tactics undermine the case.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Jan. 2026
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The short-term impact was shocking with the loss of foliage but today, about 15 years later, the border looks beautiful and screens the neighbor’s house and yard while providing a reliable habitat for birds.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shaking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaking%20up. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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