Definitions

shake out

VERB

clean

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bathe brush cleanse clear up disinfect dredge dust mop pick pick up rinse scrape scrub soak spruce up sweep vacuum wash wipe

STRONG

bath blot cauterize clarify deodorize deterge edulcorate erase expunge expurgate flush hackle launder lave neaten polish purge purify rake rasp refine sanitize scald scour shampoo soap sponge sterilize swab whisk winnow

WEAK

absterge clear the decks depurate do up elutriate rout out straighten up tidy up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dirty worsen

WEAK

foul pollute soil stain

VERB

purge

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abolish absolve cleanse dismiss eradicate erase exonerate expel expunge exterminate forgive liquidate oust prevent remove wipe out

STRONG

clarify clear disabuse eject excrete expiate kill pardon purify unload wash

WEAK

depurate dispose of do away with rout out sweep out wipe off map

Antonyms

STRONGEST

accuse aid allow assist bear blame build charge condemn construct create establish fix help hold incriminate institute keep plant punish sentence welcome

STRONG

dirty

WEAK

maintain

VERB

unfold

Synonyms

STRONGEST

spread stretch out unfurl unravel

STRONG

disentangle display expand extend fan flatten loosen open release straighten unbend uncoil uncurl undo unroll untwist unwind unwrap

WEAK

fan out outspread outstretch reel out uncrease

Antonyms

STRONG

abridge close contract cover hide hold keep lessen lower maintain shorten shrink twist wind

WEAK

block check conceal fold stagnate stop withhold wrap

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While it’s unclear exactly how much the banks will make on SpaceX’s IPO, the past gives a rough idea of how things could shake out.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

Afterward, the Cantilever Collective will lead a free movement workshop in the sculpture garden, helping participants shake out any remaining remnants of stress.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

“It will take a long time to shake out the impact regarding oil supplies and hence, petroleum pricing,” Ritterbusch and Associates says in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

While it’s unclear how things will shake out, the flurry of proposals combined with ongoing political pressure suggest that some kind of relief from high healthcare costs is in the cards.

From Barron's • Dec. 11, 2025

They shake out their towels, spread them on the grass.

From "The Boy Who Dared" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

shake out

Example Sentences

Related Words