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
Relevance
1
as in bunk
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
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
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 8 Dec. 2024
He’d been convicted in 1971 for felony weapons possession after being caught shaking down a different nightclub, serving 20 months in prison.
—Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2024
Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2025
After the shakedown DeepSeek AI gave the tech sector on Monday, investors will be eager to hear what those company executives will have to say on their respective earnings conference calls.
—Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Verb
The drug dealers who stole the oil company’s plane — and who lost a lot of money in the accident in the series premiere — show up to a derrick and try to shake down Tommy.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 8 Dec. 2024
He’d been convicted in 1971 for felony weapons possession after being caught shaking down a different nightclub, serving 20 months in prison.
—Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2024
Noun
Police have responded to numerous violent incidents stemming from prostitution shakedowns, and a man suspected of assaulting a gambling den patron in 2022 has also been investigated for allegedly going around gambling dens demanding protection money, authorities said.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2025
After the shakedown DeepSeek AI gave the tech sector on Monday, investors will be eager to hear what those company executives will have to say on their respective earnings conference calls.
—Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake down
Verb
-
In July 2022, Renay announced her split from NE-YO in a fiery Instagram caption that accused him of cheating.—
Raven Brunner,
People.com,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Here are four deeper psychological factors behind why some people cheat—even in happy relationships.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Opening with just two Airstreams, there are now seven travel trailers as well as two houses and a bunk house.—
Matthew Glowicki,
The Courier-Journal,
16 Feb. 2025
-
Yet only 287 of those referrals succeeded, mainly because facilities were full or the available spots — like top bunks — were inaccessible.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Constructor Notes The grid for this puzzle involved a lot of trial and error for me.—
Sam Corbin,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2025
-
Controlling blood pressure often requires months of trial and error.—
Gary W. Miller,
The Conversation,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
This allows drones and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets to enter electromagnetic warfare (EW) environments that are being occupied by multiple forces.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Between 1947 and 1950, American reconnaissance planes thoroughly photographed the area for cartographic purposes.—
Rob Crossan,
JSTOR Daily,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
These are dunked in grapefruit ponzu or spicy kimchi dressing or simply squeezed with lemon.—
John Metcalfe,
The Mercury News,
14 Feb. 2025
-
It’s further squeezed by competition from others in the space, including Etsy, Michael’s and Hobby Lobby, as well as big-box and online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart.—
Caroline Petrow-Cohen,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Additionally, hammocks are an affordable way to add a playful element to bedrooms, playrooms, or family rooms.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Feb. 2025
-
There's a private pier, overwater hammocks, lounges nestled into the mangrove forest, and two miles of pristine beach.—
Jacqui Gifford,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Mardi Gras is the third big test for New Orleans since the horrific Jan. 1 truck-ramming and shooting rampage on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter was allegedly carried out by a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran investigators say was inspired by the ISIS terrorist group.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
26 Feb. 2025
-
The shows were also a test of resilience in other areas.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
While reverse recruiting can enhance job search efficiency, securing the right role ultimately depends on market demand, individual qualifications and competition.—
Adam Fineberg,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
-
The centralized database enables potential international buyers and exhibitors to stay connected and delve deep into a realm of enhanced search capabilities and refined filtering options.—
Partner Content,
Variety,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shake down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20down. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share