as in threatening
to use blackmail against (someone)
The old man was being blackmailed by his nephew.
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Recent Examples of blackmailing
The offenders will get young women to send explicit photos using similar blackmailing tactics.
—
Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025
The proposal set off alarm bells in the Norwegian media, with unverified claims that Verrett was blackmailing Louise.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
Another minor added that Smith involved her husband, telling him that the victim had a video of her smoking marijuana with them and was blackmailing her.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
After Matthew starts blackmailing Oliver, there’s an obvious shift in the way the group interacts with him.
—Michael Cuby, Them., 27 Aug. 2025
Some users bragged about allegedly assaulting or blackmailing women and encouraged others to insult the women shown in photos with degrading language.
—Cnn Staff 20 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Some of the stranger and more alarming AI behaviors, such as blackmailing or deceiving users, have been extensively studied by these companies as a first step toward mitigating possible harms.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2025
Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025
The proposal set off alarm bells in the Norwegian media, with unverified claims that Verrett was blackmailing Louise.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
Another minor added that Smith involved her husband, telling him that the victim had a video of her smoking marijuana with them and was blackmailing her.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
After Matthew starts blackmailing Oliver, there’s an obvious shift in the way the group interacts with him.
—Michael Cuby, Them., 27 Aug. 2025
Some users bragged about allegedly assaulting or blackmailing women and encouraged others to insult the women shown in photos with degrading language.
—Cnn Staff 20 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Some of the stranger and more alarming AI behaviors, such as blackmailing or deceiving users, have been extensively studied by these companies as a first step toward mitigating possible harms.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blackmailing
Verb
-
If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Arsenal played attractive, threatening football, and looked poised for a rousing win.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The Bagail 6-piece Compression Packing Cube Set is just $19 and a game-changer for squeezing extra outfits into a carry-on.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
-
To check for ripeness, start by squeezing the fruit—ripe mangos should give slightly under pressure without feeling overly soft or mushy.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
These groups are extorting fleeing civilians for safe passage, Saraf claims.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
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He is also accused of extorting an unnamed person to collect gambling debts in 2023.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The defender has only been with Scunthorpe since early September, joining them on non-contract terms after impressing during pre-season.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Four days into the production's run at London's Savoy Theatre, the musical is impressing audiences and fans getting their first glimpse at the iconic bear on the internet.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Kleinstreuer, who subsequently received harassing messages and death threats online, has required security protection.—
Ava Kofman,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
-
In July 2022, Avalos was convicted of felony stalking in Dakota County, Minnesota, after repeatedly contacting and harassing a victim in violation of state law.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Blackmailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blackmailing. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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