Definition of extortionnext
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

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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 extortion Karimova has faced a series of trials after a first conviction in Uzbekistan eight years ago, and is serving a 13-year sentence for organizing a criminal group, extortion and embezzlement. Jamey Keaten, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026 But in 2003, Santa Barbara police arrested Jackson on 10 criminal counts, including child molestation, abduction, false imprisonment, and extortion. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026 Michael was indicted on 10 criminal counts including child molestation, abduction, false imprisonment and extortion, per NPR, but was acquitted of all charges in June 2005, according to The New York Times. Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026 This lawsuit is a desperate money grab by additional members of the Cascio family who have hopped on the bandwagon with their brother Frank, who is already being sued in arbitration for civil extortion. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extortion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extortion
Noun
  • But, Keoghan said, the masses primarily only saw the first video, which fueled the widespread cheating rumors about him.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But even for in-person classes, adaptations to prevent LLM cheating are often concessions that reduce pedagogical quality.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For its part, CF is clearly sensitive to the inevitable accusations of price-gouging.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • President Lee Jae Myung also advised his government to crack down on oil refinery companies and gas stations to prevent price-gouging while making efforts to secure supply ships that do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Three games into his Colorado Rapids tenure, the club paying $125,000 in General Allocation Money — less than the going price of an international roster slot — is looking like highway robbery.
    Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 14 Sep. 2025
  • This was a dangerous situation and was literally highway robbery.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Hospital CEOs came under fire at a House hearing Tuesday, with Republicans accusing them of overcharging patients and exploiting the system.
    Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Thermal runaway can be triggered by a variety of conditions, including battery damage, overheating, overcharging, manufacturing defects, exposure to salt water, and external fires.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Apr. 2026

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“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extortion. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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