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

Related Words

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
In the balance could be — no, will be — how this massive makeover shakes out. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026 There are certainly going to be times in games (when) that will happen, depending on how things shake out a little bit. — Michael Russo, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
However, the industry recently faced a significant shakeout, with many firms collapsing amid platform crackdowns. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 The industry has weathered a brutal shakeout, with major operators merging, downsizing or shutting down entirely. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 17 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
  • The same may not prove true of utility costs where many rate hikes remain pending and a tough winter could cause further spikes.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • And while some of the allegations were never proved, he was convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice and sentenced to four years in jail.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of prove
Noun
  • Hours after Apple unveiled the biggest shake-up to its iPhone release cadence in seven years — including its first foldable phone — Samsung rolled out a campaign aimed squarely at iPhone loyalists.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The development provokes a leadership shake-up on both committees, prompting speculation on who will fill the spots when the next Congress opens in January.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of shake-up
Verb
  • The engagements in Nottingham come more than six years after the couple departed the United Kingdom for the United States and the years since have seen a public falling out with some members of the royal family.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
  • For Ingersoll and some other religious scholars, Hegseth's promotion of an idea that has largely fallen out of favor with the American public ties in closely with his religious background.
    — Odette Yousef, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of fall out
Noun
  • Sure enough, the Brewers untouchable bullpen immediately got to work, getting a shutdown inning as JoJo Romero got Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman in order on just 12 pitches.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Palisades is expected to be the first nuclear plant in the world to resume generating power after beginning the decommissioning process, but other countries have restarted or refurbished reactors after long-term shutdowns, the association said.
    — Jennifer McDermott, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of shutdown
Noun
  • Carney’s closing appeal came after two days of campaigning against separation in the province.
    — Rob Gillies, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • For all its relative quiet, the week’s closing impression was that there was plenty for those intent on listening to Shanghai’s voices.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of closing
Noun
  • McQueen is parting ways with creative director Seán McGirr after an uneven three-year collaboration, and amid a substantial retrenchment of the business involving layoffs and a downsizing of the retail network.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • That can include a homeowner using proceeds from the sale of another property, a retiree downsizing, an individual investor, a landlord, a developer or a company that purchases homes directly from owners.
    — Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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