extortion

noun

ik-ˈstȯr-shən How to pronounce extortion (audio)
Definition of extortionnext
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

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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 Ransomware and extortion have evolved into comprehensive ecosystems, incorporating elements such as affiliate programs, subscription services, and encrypted money laundering. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 He was also convicted in 2022 of assault and robbery by extortion, the office said. — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 26 July 2026 Officials had been going back and forth about whether these notes were legitimate or were from those attempting extortion, according to CBS News. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 23 July 2026 Baldoni denied the allegations and filed a $400 million countersuit accusing Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Lively's publicist of defamation and extortion. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for extortion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extortion
  1. cheating
  2. gouging
  3. highway robbery
  4. fleecing
  5. overcharging
Noun
  • One particular moment that stood out to me had nothing to do with cheating.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Many schools are focused on establishing clear guidelines for AI use while also limiting cellphone use during class to reduce distractions and cheating.
    — Ruyuan Li, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheating
Noun
  • Other advantages include the fact that ownership of compute may reduce dependency on price fluctuations and gouging.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • But the buildup to America’s first time hosting the World Cup since 1994 has been nonstop controversy, from exorbitant ticket cost and price-gouging for public transportation to our country’s far-right immigration policies scaring away many would-be visitors.
    — Greg Cote June 10, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026
Definition of gouging
Noun
  • In March 1829, he was convicted in London on two counts of highway robbery and sentenced to fourteen years.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
  • Three games into his Colorado Rapids tenure, the club paying $125,000 in General Allocation Money — less than the going price of an international roster slot — is looking like highway robbery.
    — Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of highway robbery
Noun
  • Thanks to its fleecing of New Orleans during last year’s draft, Atlanta gets either the Pelicans’ or the Bucks’ first-round pick — whichever winds up higher.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 6 May 2026
Definition of fleecing
Noun
  • Tourists should also be aware of overcharging and scams from aggressive vendors.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
  • Dish only had to agree to stop overcharging subscribers.
    — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Definition of overcharging

Browse Nearby Words

extorting
extortion
extortionately
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extortion. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on extortion

Nglish: Translation of extortion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about extortion

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