as in cheated
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
an investigation revealed that the garage had been bilking motorists for repairs that had never been made
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Recent Examples of bilked
Meanwhile, California continued blowing money on a high-speed rail project that is years behind schedule and billions over budget, was bilked for billions in fraud, and funded an anti-homelessness bureaucracy with no accountability, among other things.
—
Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026
We, too, are horrified by the betrayal of America’s social safety-net systems perpetrated by dozens of individuals in Minnesota who bilked at least $1 billion from taxpayers for non-existent services and clients.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2026
In one scheme, prosecutors say dozens of scammers bilked more than $250 million from a federal program meant to feed hungry children in what has been described as the largest pandemic-era fraud scheme in the country.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
That's primarily a reference to online scams perpetrated by organized crime that have bilked victims around the world of billions of dollars each year.
—CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
Prosecutors say criminals also bilked millions of dollars from Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services program — which pays for help finding and keeping housing — as well as the state’s autism-services program by billing for appointments, therapy and casework that never took place.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 7 Dec. 2025
Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026
We, too, are horrified by the betrayal of America’s social safety-net systems perpetrated by dozens of individuals in Minnesota who bilked at least $1 billion from taxpayers for non-existent services and clients.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2026
In one scheme, prosecutors say dozens of scammers bilked more than $250 million from a federal program meant to feed hungry children in what has been described as the largest pandemic-era fraud scheme in the country.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
That's primarily a reference to online scams perpetrated by organized crime that have bilked victims around the world of billions of dollars each year.
—CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
Prosecutors say criminals also bilked millions of dollars from Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services program — which pays for help finding and keeping housing — as well as the state’s autism-services program by billing for appointments, therapy and casework that never took place.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 7 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bilked
Verb
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After the Astros cheated to win the 2017 World Series, the Dodgers didn’t face them again until 2020.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
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Bondi forgave a crime that had put people’s lives at risk and cheated the government of vaccine doses that could have been given to others.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Dosunmu plucked the ball away after it was fumbled by Norman Powell, who crashed to the ground as Matas Buzelis blew past him.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
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The 2009 drama was based on Michael Lewis’ 2006 book of the same name, which tracked the story of football star Michael Oher, who was plucked from homelessness and poverty when taken in by wealthy couple Leigh Anne Tuohy and Sean Tuohy.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Toronto hustled to a 14-point advantage before settling for a 32-24 lead after one quarter.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
17 Jan. 2026
-
Fiala hustled back to block Eichel’s shot, but Eichel recovered it to find Stone on the doorstep for an uncontested winner.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The criticism stung deeper coming from someone who avoided Vietnam military service.—
Pan Pylas,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2026
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His sarcasm stung almost daily, but the winning followed weekly.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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European automakers face a volatile year, squeezed by weak markets, a lack of profitability, uncertain European emissions regulations, and pressure for restructuring and mergers, while rushing to electrify and defend against burgeoning Chinese competition.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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On a typical day, Troy would have been getting ready to go to sleep on one of the two sets of bunk beds that had been squeezed into the kids’ bedroom at home.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In 2006, a joint investigation run by the FBI and IRS – Operation Bullpen – busted a nationwide forgery ring that defrauded collectors of more than $100 million, and just last year, an Indiana man admitted to selling some $350 million worth of fake gear over the span of 20 years.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
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Authorities said Kates defrauded the state Department of Labor of $217,056 by filing fraudulent unemployment applications with the agency for her family, acquaintances, and others, from March 2020 through May 2021.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There are other complications, of course — typical Marvel stuff — but even without them, Simon is still screwed.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
27 Jan. 2026
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That doesn’t mean you’re screwed if your job is highly repetitive.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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An Alpharetta man pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges of wire fraud in connection with an investment and fake University of Georgia ticket scheme that prosecutors said swindled people out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.—
David Aaro,
AJC.com,
16 Jan. 2026
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In 2016, it was revealed that a con man had swindled Nicole out of $10 million.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
12 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bilked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bilked. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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