as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
the rumor is that he started his career shaking people down as an enforcer for the mob
Synonyms & Similar Words
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1
as in bunk
Related Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shakedown
Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Burke was found guilty of 13 corruption counts alleging a variety of old-style shakedowns.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2025
The memo frames DSTs as nothing more than attempt by foreign governments to shake down American technology businesses.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shakedown
Verb
After all, Trump has engaged in such an orgy of shakedowns and pocket linings since the 2024 election that maybe some are starting to see this as normal.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Burke was found guilty of 13 corruption counts alleging a variety of old-style shakedowns.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
Before Clint enters a back-room poker game in the store where the enforcer needs to shake down one of the players, Hank runs down the top five underdog movies of all time.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2025
The memo frames DSTs as nothing more than attempt by foreign governments to shake down American technology businesses.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shakedown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shakedown
Verb
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President Donald Trump's rapid pullback of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has cost Americans at least $18 billion in higher fees and lost compensation for consumers allegedly cheated by major companies, according to an analysis released Tuesday by two organizations.—
Douglas Gillison,
USA Today,
25 June 2025
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But they didn’t get cheated this spring, not with three rousing blasts from the past: Against the Pistons, against the Celtics, against the Pacers.—
Mike Lupica,
New York Daily News,
23 June 2025
Noun
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While kids will love the deluxe king bunk room, there are a variety of spacious accommodations for families.—
Angela Caraway-Carlton,
Miami Herald,
5 June 2025
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Society Hotel The boutique Society Hotel is set in an old schoolhouse and has the complete traveler accommodation toolkit: bunk rooms, private rooms, and cutesy cabins.—
Zoe Baillargeon,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2025
Noun
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Without formal training or institutional support, educators navigate AI implementation through trial and error.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Finding the right pair of headphones can take some trial and error, but the Sony Ult Wear over-ear Bluetooth headphones offer a compelling mix of sound quality, comfort, and modern features.—
StackCommerce Team,
PC Magazine,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Military reconnaissance platforms could operate reliably in the harshest conditions, from arctic temperatures to desert heat.—
Siyu Huang,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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When shown reconnaissance photos of football pitches in Cienfuegos in 1970, the U.S.’s then-national security adviser, Henry Kissinger, demanded to see President Richard Nixon immediately.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Paul Blackburn, with plenty of starting experience for Oakland, could squeeze into the picture too – especially if the Mets decide to try a six-man rotation that would save wear and tear on each man.—
Dan Schlossberg,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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When pancake is ready to flip, squeeze the cinnamon mixture into a swirl shape on top of the pancake batter, pressing the tip of the bag slightly into the batter.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Southern Living,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Outside shines with a small pool, roof deck, and hammock.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
27 June 2025
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One such amenity is the co-working courtyard, which is a shaded outdoor area with seating, hammocks and Wi-Fi access.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2025
Noun
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Newell also might be underrated given his lack of electrifying highlights; analytic models view the southpaw more favorably than the eye test.—
Sam Vecenie,
New York Times,
26 June 2025
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The test involved punching holes in the ear pinna of rabbits and mice and tracking the wound-repairing process.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Both consented to a search of their home, and police reviewed its video surveillance footage.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 June 2025
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During the stop, Jenny Boelter was questioned and consented to a search of her car, the affidavit said.—
Emily Shapiro,
ABC News,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shakedown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shakedown. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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