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Definitions

shake

[sheyk] / ʃeɪk /
VERB
quiver, tremble
Synonyms
STRONGEST
convulse disturb jolt rattle rock roil shudder sway swing upset wave
STRONG
agitate brandish bump chatter churn commove concuss discompose disquiet dither dodder flap flicker flit flitter flourish fluctuate flutter jar jerk jog joggle jounce move oscillate palpitate perturb quail quake quaver reel ruffle shimmer shimmy shiver stagger succuss totter tremor twitter vibrate waggle water whip wobble
WEAK
set in motion stir up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
steady
STRONG
be still
VERB
upset deeply
Synonyms
STRONGEST
disturb frighten horrify intimidate rattle throw undermine unnerve unsettle upset weaken worry
STRONG
bother consternate daunt discompose dismay distress impair jar move unstring
WEAK
knock the props out (from under) make waves throw a curve
Antonyms
STRONGEST
appease calm comfort delight encourage help make happy please reassure soothe
STRONG
aid
WEAK
placate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"No amount of threats or coercion will shake Taiwan's resolve to engage with the world."

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

There are many places where “rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,” from one of Shakespeare’s sonnets, elicits a nod of recognition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Seldom does a day pass without someone coming up to Monday to say thank you, or to shake his hand.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

You can also put the unpeeled cloves in a glass bowl, cover with a plate and shake.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

Camille shoots me a smug I-told.you-so smile, but I shake my head.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller