shake
12 synonyms and 0 antonyms for shake, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To move something rapidly back and forth or up and down.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use shake
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English sceacan, going back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to shake or escape" — related to "shock".
Full origin of shake →Frequently asked questions
What does “shake” mean?
The word “shake” means to move something rapidly back and forth or up and down. In plain terms, to move rapidly back and forth, or (as a drink) a milkshake.
How do you pronounce “shake”?
“Shake” is pronounced SHAYK (/ˈʃeɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “shake” in a sentence?
Here is “shake” used in a sentence: “Shake the bottle well before opening.”
What is another word for “shake”?
Words with a similar meaning to “shake” include jiggle, shag, quake, tremble, vibrate and wiggle.
What part of speech is “shake”?
Depending on how it is used, “shake” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “shake” come from?
The word “shake” comes from Old English. From Old English sceacan, going back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to shake or escape" — related to "shock".
Is “shake” a common word?
“Shake” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “shake” have?
“Shake” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move something rapidly back and forth or up and down.
What is the difference between shake and shiver?
Shake is a general verb meaning to move something rapidly back and forth or up and down, and it can apply to objects or people. Shiver specifically means to tremble slightly, usually from cold or fear, and happens to the body involuntarily. You can shake a bottle deliberately, but you shiver without meaning to.
Is shake an irregular verb?
Yes, shake is irregular. Its past tense is "shook" and its past participle is "shaken," as in "she shook the jar" and "it had been shaken." A common mistake is writing "shaked," which is not standard English.
What is the difference between shake and stir?
Shake means to move a container or object rapidly back and forth so its contents mix through motion, often with a lid on. Stir means to move a spoon or utensil through a liquid in a circular motion to blend it. Bartenders, for example, shake some cocktails and stir others.