as in to shock
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 shake up
Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024
Four chief executives in 12 months is a quirk of circumstance, but also a sign of the turbulence brought by Ratcliffe trying to shake up United.
—Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Kori Hale, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
The leadership shake-up comes amid increasing military assertiveness by China and growing threats from North Korean missiles.
—Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shake up 
Verb
Here, bartenders are happy to shake up classics like a Moscow Mule or a Picante with feni.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024
Four chief executives in 12 months is a quirk of circumstance, but also a sign of the turbulence brought by Ratcliffe trying to shake up United.
—Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
Fresh off the Supreme Court's affirmative action shake-up in education, this ruling hits differently.
—Kori Hale, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
The leadership shake-up comes amid increasing military assertiveness by China and growing threats from North Korean missiles.
—Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shake up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake up
Verb
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President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, shocking even some of his own advisers.Victor Cha, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2024
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The news shocked the football world as many speculated Purdy wouldn't ask the 49ers for much money given his humble demeanor.Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Between the lines: The study comes as major pharmacy chains including Walgreens and CVS continue to go through painful shakeouts.Tina Reed, Axios, 9 Dec. 2024
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Ohio State will see how the final College Football Playoff rankings shakeout on Dec. 8.Mitch Stacy, Chicago Tribune, 30 Nov. 2024
Noun
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President Biden on Saturday signed the stopgap measure approved by Congress on Friday that will prevent a government shutdown.Ian Swanson, The Hill, 21 Dec. 2024
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The House managed to pass a continuing resolution Friday night to avert a government shutdown, but Speaker Mike Johnson took out a provision that would’ve given Washington D.C. control of RFK Stadium’s land.Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Dismay or appall you, sure, but never surprise you.Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
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That kind of appalls me to think that people need not expect that of themselves.David Marchese Photograph by Mamadi Doumbouya, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2024
Noun
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The day after the closing was announced something miraculous happened.Jeryl Brunner, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
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Now, with the closing of the 20-year development agreement on the horizon, Whitebird is suing.Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Relieved, his owner put her head in hands, and in the comments people were stunned by the moment.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
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Kesha stunned in a red latex ensemble while Rita Ora had several outfit changes including a sheer lacy gown.Catherine Santino, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near shake up
Cite this Entry
“Shake up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20up. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.
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