quake 1 of 2

noun

Definition of quakenext
as in earthquake
a shaking of the earth the quake registered 6.5 on the Richter scale, causing widespread damage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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quake

2 of 2

verb

ˈkwāk How to pronounce quake (audio)
as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements the horror film was so scary it left us quaking with fear for hours afterwards

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 quake
Noun
After two devastating quakes, first responders were fishermen, doctors and emigres returning from abroad — a grassroots campaign filling a government void. — Helena Carpio, Washington Post, 30 June 2026 The government on Tuesday raised the number of people injured in the quakes to 10,571 — an increase of 5,000 from just the day before. — ABC News, 1 July 2026
Verb
Meanwhile, Springfield Democrats shouldn’t be quaking in their shoes at this temper tantrum from their cronies in organized labor. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 For those communities quaking in terror, simply waiting three years for a new president is not sufficient. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quake
  1. earthquake
  2. shake
  3. tremor
  4. shudder
  5. jerk
  6. tremble
  7. vibrate
  8. quiver
Noun
  • As a reminder, the Mission San Juan Capistrano tour ends at the ruins of what’s now called the Great Stone Church, which collapsed in an 1812 earthquake that killed 40 Acjachemen worshippers.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of earthquake
Verb
  • The iconic bunny costume moment, when Elle is tricked into showing up to a non-costume party wearing a Playboy bunny get-up, was the catalyst for exploring how Elle was able to shake that humiliation off.
    — Scarlett Harris, IndieWire, 6 July 2026
  • This tournament has built credibility by showcasing teams competing at a high level, then shaking hands afterward.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of shake
Noun
  • Nearly 2,000 people are confirmed dead, with tens of thousands still missing following the tremors.
    — Ted Scouten, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • Many remain unwilling to return to homes that survived the initial earthquakes but may now be structurally compromised by the continuing tremors.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
Definition of tremor
Verb
  • These seemingly innocuous incidents attain new significance as they’re revisited alongside a slow crescendo that suddenly turns to shuddering piano chords on the track’s bridge.
    — Nick Ayres DeMasi, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026
  • Choose Baits with Vibration Lipless crankbaits earn their keep each spring, as their shuddering motion creates the bait-mimicking tremors to which bass respond.
    — David A. Brown, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026
Definition of shudder
Verb
  • Watching their relationship devolve (never more so than when their sperm donor, a rakish, motorcycle-driving restaurant owner played by Mark Ruffalo, enters the scene) is most definitely a tear-jerking experience, as is the film’s final scene.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026
  • Some were petty — like Reese committing a foul against Clark, then jerking her head back, impersonating Clark as a flopper.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026
Definition of jerk
Verb
  • Back in their dorm room after the beating, Valentine watched as Okeadu began to tremble uncontrollably.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
  • Each time the leaves trembled, the sunlight filtering through them also wavered.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Definition of tremble
Verb
  • But the feeling of release as the bowstrings were left vibrating in my arms was palpable, intensely satisfying.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • These bees vibrate flowers to release the pollen, improving pollination and fruit set.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
Definition of vibrate
Verb
  • Even now, there are moments during presentations when my voice still quivers.
    — Michelle De Almeida, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Each time, brown leaves that had drifted from distant trees quivered and spun on the surface.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Definition of quiver

Browse Nearby Words

quais
quake
quaked
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quake. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on quake

Nglish: Translation of quake for Spanish Speakers

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