as in to threaten
to use blackmail against (someone)
The old man was being blackmailed by his nephew.
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blackmail
Verb
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Pachuca never mustered enough quality around the industrious Salomon Rondon to truly threaten Yassine Bounou, even as Al Hilal’s passivity flirted with danger.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
27 June 2025 -
When the prince brings boyfriend Dev to meet his royal family, their aristocratic inertia threatens the young love.—
Jillian Steinhauer,
New Yorker,
27 June 2025
Verb
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Paul Blackburn, with plenty of starting experience for Oakland, could squeeze into the picture too – especially if the Mets decide to try a six-man rotation that would save wear and tear on each man.—
Dan Schlossberg,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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When pancake is ready to flip, squeeze the cinnamon mixture into a swirl shape on top of the pancake batter, pressing the tip of the bag slightly into the batter.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Southern Living,
27 June 2025
Verb
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This economic activity drives growth in industries from retail and automotive to housing and hospitality.—
Ana Valdez,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
What steps to follow when driving in the rain? Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Mexico City band Molotov decry state agents who extort the same communities that pay their salaries, and make a plea for power to be returned to the people.—
Fidel Martinez,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2025
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But when Arthur is released unharmed, rumors fly that the whole thing was a plot contrived by the son to extort money from his father.—
Caroline Fraser
June 10,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2025
Verb
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Second Round These two heavyweights are not impressing the crowd.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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With their grand neo-Renaissance chimneys and imposing chandeliers, the reception rooms were designed to impress.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
28 June 2025
Verb
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In some cases, governments even coerce companies into accepting artificially low prices by threatening to violate their patents and allow other manufacturers to produce copycat drugs.—
Rosa Mendoza,
Boston Herald,
16 June 2025
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Geragos has tried to portray Jane as a willing participant in encounters with male escorts and entertainers while Diddy watched, to undermine prosecution claims that she was coerced and trafficked.—
Victoria Bekiempis,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
Verb
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Indiana led at halftime, 48-47: the Pacers, whose dominant 108-91 victory over OKC in Game 6 on Thursday forced just the seventh Game 7 of an NBA Finals in 38 years, wouldn’t fold.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
23 June 2025
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There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health treatment, and forcing patients onto less effective medications can lead to setbacks in health, social functioning, and recovery.—
Carali McLean,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Blackmail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blackmail. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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