1
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
Relevance
2
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
as in shivers
a sense of panic or extreme nervousness
I get the shakes every time I hear her voice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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
Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
The longtime politician shakes his head.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
As Venus shakes things up in your 11th house of friendships and group dynamics, and Mars retrograde ignites your fifth house of self-expression, expect some unexpected drama in your social circle.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Richie shakes her head in disappointment and turns her attention to a cooling carafe of coffee.
—Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Dec. 2024
Basically, shakes tend to be an amazing source of protein, but not much else.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 3 Dec. 2024
Abusive head trauma generally occurs when a frustrated parent or caregiver violently shakes a child and/or causes a blunt impact injury, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and others say.
—Dakin Andone, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (L) during their meeting, October 11, 2024, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2024
Basic shakes normally cost $10.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 18 Oct. 2024
Verb
While rare, a tsunami could arrive just minutes after the earth shakes, depending on the location.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
The longtime politician shakes his head.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
As Venus shakes things up in your 11th house of friendships and group dynamics, and Mars retrograde ignites your fifth house of self-expression, expect some unexpected drama in your social circle.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Richie shakes her head in disappointment and turns her attention to a cooling carafe of coffee.
—Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Dec. 2024
Basically, shakes tend to be an amazing source of protein, but not much else.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 3 Dec. 2024
Abusive head trauma generally occurs when a frustrated parent or caregiver violently shakes a child and/or causes a blunt impact injury, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and others say.
—Dakin Andone, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (L) during their meeting, October 11, 2024, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2024
Basic shakes normally cost $10.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 18 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near shakes
Cite this Entry
“Shakes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shakes. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share