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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as in bunk
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shake down
Chris Klimek, Vulture, 24 July 2024
The apparent shakedown — and evidence definitively linking the seven 2024 shootings — have led police to investigate the possibility that the incidents are part of attempts to shake down local businesses.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2025
Steven J. Horowitz, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Some privately have compared him to a mob boss: Tributes are required, and the shakedowns come with the full weight of the U.S. government.
—Alex Thompson, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Verb
As soon as Masa kisses his son good-bye, a man Masa has evidently come to shake down for money spots him from across the courtyard and flees.
—Chris Klimek, Vulture, 24 July 2024
The apparent shakedown — and evidence definitively linking the seven 2024 shootings — have led police to investigate the possibility that the incidents are part of attempts to shake down local businesses.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2025
Noun
Harmonies abound as Elliott and Aaliyah take turns bemoaning the wrongdoer, culminating in a double-time shakedown from Da Brat.
52.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Some privately have compared him to a mob boss: Tributes are required, and the shakedowns come with the full weight of the U.S. government.
—Alex Thompson, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake down
Verb
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Brunson ultimately aligned himself with fan-favorite LA Knight after Haliburton tried helping Paul to cheat during the match by giving him brass knuckles.—
Jason Jones,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
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But death in the Final Destination movies has a way of coming for those who cheat their fate, and in this case, the grim reaper wants the survivors of the Skyview disaster and their blood relatives.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
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Other notable features include a 12-bed bunk room and a spa with a Himalayan salt room, plus an entertaining complex decked out with a bar, a movie theater, a bowling alley, a sports simulator, an arcade, a cigar lounge, and a wine cave.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
23 May 2025
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The children’s bunk room is warm, sophisticated and cleverly designed.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
22 May 2025
Noun
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Seeing this enormous collective enterprise take shape in real time—much of it by trial and error—was like witnessing history in reverse.—
Rachel Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
13 May 2025
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Learning from someone else’s missteps can save you years of trial and error, providing reassurance and peace of mind.—
Hao Lam,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Russia’s defense ministry on Saturday claimed its forces overnight struck various military targets across Ukraine, including missile and drone-producing plants, a reconnaissance center and a launching site for anti-aircraft missiles.—
ILLIA NOVIKOV,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2025
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Providing reconnaissance for the project was Rhea Wallace.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Martinez’s son squeezed the trigger five times, shooting Rivera to death and wounding two others, the detective wrote in the affidavit.—
Matthew Ormseth,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
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Umberto Rispoli squeezed between horses around the top of the stretch and then rode Journalism to a tremendous rally.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Amenities: Waterfront location, beach access, outdoor shower, washer, AC, BBQ, hammock, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, bikes, kayak, sun loungers.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
17 May 2025
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The cruise line, with its sleek design, balcony hammocks and Instagram-friendly onboard spaces, has been a hit with younger guests.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Horton flashed a nasty changeup Horton believed his changeup could be a viable third pitch but hadn’t put that belief to the test at the big-league level — until Wednesday.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
21 May 2025
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The Cuba native, who turns 42 May 29, refused a field sobriety test and was arrested.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Experts Weigh In Police found a knife matching Anderson's description during a search of Emmert's home in October 2024.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
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Opt for a challenging puzzle, word searches, strategy games, or Sudoku.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shake down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20down. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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