Synonyms of extortion

extortion

noun

ik-ˈstȯr-shən 

as in cheating

the exaction of a grossly excessive charge for goods or services

six dollars for a cup of coffee is just plain extortion

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cheating
• gouging
• highway robbery
• fleecing
• overcharging
• swindling
• defrauding
• skinning
• chiseling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of extortion

The two Haitian groups are mainly linked to arms trafficking, kidnapping, murdering, extortion and, to a lesser extent, to drug trafficking. — ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026

In 1998, he was indicted on racketeering charges and pleaded guilty to four acts of racketeering, including bribery and extortion in April 1999. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026

Trial and later life The promise of immunity had been a ruse—as well as not legally binding—and Kiritsis was charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, and armed extortion. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Sep. 2026

In a mountain hamlet, avocado farming lifted once-poor families into the middle class, but opened the door to cartel extortion, kidnapping and fear. — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026