Synonyms for

Shake

Verb / ʃeɪk / Another word for shake — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To move back and forth or up and down quickly and/or violently.

Synonyms & similar words

milkshake rock trill agitate handclasp didder judder waggle excite stimulate tremble handshake shiver wag shingle stir handshaking sway jiggle quiver tremble vibrate wobble sway rock jolt shiver twitch flutter convulse wag wave agitate oscillate flicker flap beat pulsate

Synonyms by register

Formal

oscillate tremble quiver fluctuate

Informal

jiggle wobble shimmy wiggle

Literary

quail quake shudder

Antonyms

still steady firm calm immobile stable unwavering

Common collocations

  • shake hands
  • shake a leg
  • shake off
  • shake up
  • shake down
  • shake loose
  • shake the dust

Word family

noun shake
verb shake
adjective shaky

Usage note

The verb 'shake' can refer to physical movement or to cause something to be unstable. As a noun, it can refer to the act of shaking or a type of milkshake.

Compare "shake" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. I like to shake my head to say 'no'.
  2. The earthquake made the ground shake.
  3. I like to shake salt on my popcorn.
  4. I need to shake the rug to get the dust out.
  5. The dog likes to shake his tail when he's happy.

Quotes

  • You can't shake hands with a clenched fist. - Indira Gandhi
  • Sometimes you've got to shake things up to get things done. - Lenny Kravitz
  • I would shake your hand, but I'm not sure where it's been. - Tommy Lee Jones

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