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
William Pesek, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Barbara Fair, the executive director of Stop Solitary and one of the leading authors of the Protect Act, disagreed, saying that the Protect Act does not prevent shakedowns.
—Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2025
Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 7 Aug. 2025
But California has allowed local governments to shake down developers for unrelated fees in exchange for a permit.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shakedown
Verb
Trump’s tariff pacts are more shakedowns than negotiations.
—William Pesek, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Barbara Fair, the executive director of Stop Solitary and one of the leading authors of the Protect Act, disagreed, saying that the Protect Act does not prevent shakedowns.
—Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
Another alleged major North Shore drug pusher is facing serious charges of distributing fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine — and even shaking down one of his own dealers at gunpoint.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 7 Aug. 2025
But California has allowed local governments to shake down developers for unrelated fees in exchange for a permit.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shakedown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shakedown
Verb
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The scandal exposed how some wealthy families cheated and bribed to secure spots for their children at elite universities, sparking nationwide outrage over denied opportunities for more deserving students.—
Hanna Park,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
-
This isn’t the first time that the couple was surrounded by cheating rumors.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Besides the standard touring equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel, probe), visitors need to carry little more than a sleeping bag and a toothbrush, since dormitory-style bunks and hearty meals are provided.—
Scott Yorko,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Adair, still in handcuffs, is then picked up from the wheelchair by several deputies and placed on his stomach on the bottom bunk in his cell, the KBI said.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In this way, the robot’s system zero has learned by trial and error to walk and stay upright with high accuracy.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Finding the perfect one—one that doesn’t feel like a potato sack or scratch your skin—often takes a lot of trial and error, but the easiest way to sift through the endless options and find your next favorite sweater is by checking out what real shoppers have to say.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This new capability could redefine how drones operate in real-world missions, from military reconnaissance to fast-moving logistics.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Oct. 2025
-
In 1964, the National Police Board, together with the Swedish Police Association, launched a trial assigning women to special tasks, once again limiting their work to investigative, reconnaissance, and security patrol duties, without participation in regular uniformed service.—
Isadora Wandermurem,
Time,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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These 515 V3s, along with other New Balance sneakers, offer a wide, roomy toe box, ensuring that my toes aren’t squeezed together and out of alignment.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The shoes fold in half, becoming compact enough to fit in your personal item or squeeze into a corner of your carry-on.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Guests can enjoy amenities such as a heated pool, hot tub, sauna, rotating art exhibitions, and landscaped courtyards with firepits and hammocks.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Oct. 2025
-
In partnership with Leave No Trace, Martin County offers the tours for free, helping visitors discover the natural beauty of the coastline’s mangroves, estuaries, hammocks, and trails.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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As the test was administered, Officer Kelby Dumond sat atop Ross to monitor the horse's every reaction.—
Laura L. Davis,
Nashville Tennessean,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Though that number won’t grab headlines, the rushing attack passed the eye test against a Minnesota defense that came into the game second in the Big Ten in yards allowed.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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However, the search took a dark turn when local police got another 911 call -- from Denise herself, bravely placed using her abductor’s cell phone.—
Mason Leath,
ABC News,
10 Oct. 2025
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The briefing will address ongoing search efforts, casualty reports, and potential safety concerns in the aftermath of the blast.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shakedown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shakedown. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.
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