BLACKMAILING Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

blackmailing

verb

present participle of blackmail

as in threatening

to use blackmail against (someone) The old man was being blackmailed by his nephew.

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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 blackmailing An announcement that is taking the blame game to great heights or lows, depending on your POV and who is blackmailing who — to paraphrase Bonta banger of earlier this week. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026 In the past, models from OpenAI and other providers were theoretically shown to be capable of blackmailing users to prevent shutdowns. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 20 July 2026 Later, we’re treated to an electrifying scene of Dennis blackmailing a woman named Joyce Tercek in an elevator. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 June 2026 Of course, Lili responds by blackmailing her, threatening to out her for accepting the principal position knowing she'd been mistakenly recruited for the job. — Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026 At its mid-’90s peak, upwards of 14 million people tuned in each week to see who was sleeping with, blackmailing or attempting to murder whom. — Andrea Lavinthal, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026 Members of the group allegedly conduct coordinated extortions of teens by blackmailing them. — Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026 Aviles and his attorney have denied the blackmailing accusation. — Connor Greene, Time, 4 Mar. 2026 Whitney had a Jeffrey Epstein-like habit of blackmailing powerful associates with recordings of intimate moments, often with his ex-escort assistant Haley (Kiernan Shipka). — Alison Herman, Variety, 2 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for blackmailing

Verb

As the war with Iran drags on, the US has been increasingly threatening economic tactics to exert pressure on Tehran.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Fueled by strong winds, the growing Hawk fire spread from the Sierra foothills threatening the northwest flank of Reno on Sunday morning, forcing thousands of evacuations.

— Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of threatening

Verb

The duo bicker, both in person and over the phone, as their uneasy dynamic proves to be the show’s driving force yet again.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
And with the war in Iran already driving up energy and transportation costs, businesses have less room to absorb another hit.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of driving

Verb

In his report, Prescott said there is evidence substantiating the claim that Rodriguez-Mendez was extorting Guaranda.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
He is accused of extorting minors to write names on their naked skin, cut themselves and stick objects such as knives into their genitals.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of extorting

Verb

After impressing in pre-season, is this the time for Nyoni to break through into midfield?

— Andy Jones, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
The 23-year-old Wilkinson served as the opener for Adrian Houser, who continued impressing by pitching five-plus scoreless innings of bulk relief beginning in the third inning.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of impressing

Verb

Boys are bullying girls in school, customers are harassing Target employees, and there’s now a report that a male doctor asked a woman to undress while wearing the glasses, which can discreetly take photos and videos.

— O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026
Luis Jacobo had been stalking and harassing the victim, calling her hundreds of times a day, appearing uninvited at her home and workplace and leaving unwanted notes and flowers, according to prosecutors.

— City News Service, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of harassing

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blackmailers

blackmailing

blackmails

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“Blackmailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blackmailing. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of blackmailing

verb

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