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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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 blackmailing 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 But when a mysterious stranger begins blackmailing Neve, she is forced to compromise every legal, moral, and ethical obligation to gain an acquittal — or else risk her dark secrets being exposed. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 15 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

Over the next few years, he was charged and found guilty of second-degree theft, abuse of family members, and threatening behavior, but never served more than 10 days in jail.

— Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
Life threatening flooding of low water crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses continues.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of threatening

Verb

Jones is accused of committing nine offenses against the man, including kissing him multiple times without consent and touching the man’s genitals while the man was driving.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Still, analysts warned that the coordinated action may prove no more durable than previous interventions unless Japan addresses the structural forces driving yen weakness.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of driving

Verb

Evil, jealous and cruel men like Fountain will use anything to control their victims including extorting them with their most personal and emotional memories.

— Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
According to the complaint, DGCIM officers repeatedly beat him, fractured his back, administered electric shocks — including to his genitals — and threatened to kill him while extorting money from his wife.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of extorting

Verb

The cornerback room shows significant improvement with free agent Benjamin St-Juste and rookie Brandon Cisse impressing, challenging Carrington Valentine and potentially boosting a unit that struggled last season.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Marco Palestra arrives after impressing as an attack-minded wing-back for Atalanta, while Geovany Quenda’s arrival allows another natural fit for a 3-4-2-1 formation.

— Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of impressing

Verb

Moreno asked the Ohio judge overseeing the case to grant a restraining order that would prohibit Miller from harassing, physically touching, and/or verbally or electronically threatening Moreno’s counsel.

— Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Baldoni denied ever harassing Lively or retaliating against her.

— Martha Ross, Mercury News, 31 July 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of blackmailing

verb

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