as in cheating
the exaction of a grossly excessive charge for goods or services
six dollars for a cup of coffee is just plain extortion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 extortion
Menendez was found guilty on charges including extortion, honest services wire fraud, obstruction of justice, acting as a foreign agent for Egypt, bribery, and conspiracy.
—
Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Jan. 2025
The lawsuit — which was also filed on behalf of his film studio, Wayfarer, and its chief executive, Jamey Heath, a producer on the film — requests at least $400 million in damages, alleging defamation, civil extortion, and breach of contract, among other accusations.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2025
In response, Baldoni is suing Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation and extortion.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 25 Jan. 2025
MacArthur said the racketeering activity referred to two state bribery statutes, two state misconduct statutes, and two federal statutes regarding extortion and unlawful use of a facility.
—Jim Talamonti | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for extortion 
Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Jan. 2025
The lawsuit — which was also filed on behalf of his film studio, Wayfarer, and its chief executive, Jamey Heath, a producer on the film — requests at least $400 million in damages, alleging defamation, civil extortion, and breach of contract, among other accusations.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2025
In response, Baldoni is suing Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation and extortion.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 25 Jan. 2025
MacArthur said the racketeering activity referred to two state bribery statutes, two state misconduct statutes, and two federal statutes regarding extortion and unlawful use of a facility.
—Jim Talamonti | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for extortion
Thesaurus Entries Near extortion
Cite this Entry
“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extortion. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share