shake out 1 of 2

verb

Definition of shake outnext
as in to prove
to come to be after hearing about all the elaborate planning, I can't wait to see how that wedding shakes out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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shakeout

2 of 2

noun

as in shake-up

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Dissimilar 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 shake out
Verb
Another outing actually feels likely, and the way the last two movies shook out may hint at what the focus will be next time. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 20 June 2026 Nevertheless, Senegal will have to wait to see how some of the other games shake out, to see if that standing is good enough to advance. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026
Noun
Both Steyer and Porter gained slightly in the post-Swalwell shakeout but Becerra’s rise is nothing less than phenomenal. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026 After last week’s industrywide sell-off, the question is whether AI stocks broadly are heading for a long downturn or just needed a shakeout to get rid of excessive optimism. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shake out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake out
  1. prove
  2. shake-up
  3. fall out
  4. shutdown
  5. closing
  6. downsizing
Verb
  • That verdant vista of a piece of ancient, intricate architecture centered me in storied Osaka and proved a delightfully consistent through line for my stay.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • In its conclusion, the report said forensic evidence did not prove Oliver died from inflicted trauma.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Definition of prove
Noun
  • The producer's departure also adds to the staffing shake-up that's been taking place at CBS under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The new spinoff would be the latest shake-up in an industry that has lately been jolted by various mergers and acquisitions.
    — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 29 June 2026
Definition of shake-up
Verb
  • Dimitrov fell out of the top 10 in 2018, and didn’t come particularly close to it again until 2024.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • The answer begins with understanding what has fallen out of alignment.
    — Sherry McAllister, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of fall out
Noun
  • May started making her products during the COVID shutdown, before deciding to launch it into a side business.
    — Fatima Corona, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
  • The Gaviota shutdown comes as other California rest areas are also temporarily unavailable.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of shutdown
Noun
  • In a note on Tuesday, analysts reaffirmed their year-end price target of 7,100 for the broad market index, representing a 5% drop from the week’s closing level.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 July 2026
  • With the peloton boasting fresh legs, expect major fireworks in the closing kilometres.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of closing
Noun
  • Retirement often arrives suddenly and unexpectedly, triggered by health setbacks or corporate downsizing.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • Bloomingdale’s is capitalizing on the bankruptcy and downsizing of Saks Global.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
Definition of downsizing

Browse Nearby Words

shake (off)
shake out
shakeout
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Cite this Entry

“Shake out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20out. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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