extortionate

adjective

ex·​tor·​tion·​ate ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nət How to pronounce extortionate (audio)
1
: characterized by extortion
2
: excessive, exorbitant
extortionate prices
extortionately adverb

Examples of extortionate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The administration’s attack on the judiciary, taken together with its extortionate executive-order demands of law firms, represents a challenge to the rule of law unlike anything before in U.S. history. Erwin Chemerinsky, Twin Cities, 6 May 2025 Taxi drivers flocked to the crossing, offering rides to those on foot – some asking for extortionate amounts of money for a transfer to Beirut or Damascus. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024 On top of all that, the first half of 2024 was rife with political tension related to this year’s elections—and not to mention that Olympic ticket prices were extortionate. Lindsey Tramuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2024 The Brazilian will have a further three years left on his contract at extortionate wages of £300,000 per-week, which Manchester United’s new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be viewing with careful consideration. Liam Canning, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for extortionate

Word History

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extortionate was in 1747

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Cite this Entry

“Extortionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortionate. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

extortionate

adjective
ex·​tor·​tion·​ate ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nət How to pronounce extortionate (audio)
1
: marked by extortion
2
: extremely high : exorbitant
extortionate prices
extortionately adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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