Synonyms of extort

extort

verb

ik-ˈstȯrt 

as in to coerce

to get (as money) by the use of force or threats

a school bully who was used to extorting lunch money from weaker kids

Synonyms & Similar Words

• coerce
• squeeze
• wring
• exact
• wrest
• force
• gouge
• compel
• swindle
• milk
• bleed
• cheat
• skin
• fleece
• racketeer

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb extort contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of extort are educe, elicit, evoke, and extract. While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

Where would educe be a reasonable alternative to extort?

While the synonyms educe and extort are close in meaning, educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

In what contexts can elicit take the place of extort?

In some situations, the words elicit and extort are roughly equivalent. However, elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When is evoke a more appropriate choice than extort?

The synonyms evoke and extort are sometimes interchangeable, but evoke implies a strong stimulus that arouses an emotion or an interest or recalls an image or memory.

a song that evokes warm memories

When could extract be used to replace extort?

The words extract and extort can be used in similar contexts, but extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information.

extracted a confession from him

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of extort

Alex LaMorie, the 25-year-old man with autism shot dead by police on March 1, called the police because he was being extorted, Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der revealed Thursday. —April Santana, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026

The official reports into that incident show that Epstein initially told prison officials that his cellmate had tried to kill him after extorting him for money. —Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2026

Gonzales has denied the affair with the aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, and claims he's being extorted by her husband. —Caroline Linton, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026

And if love is in the air, do not pick up your smartphone to send a provocative shot to someone that can be later used to embarrass you or extort money from you. —Susan Tompor, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026