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
Relevance
1
as in bunk
Related Words
2
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 shakedown
Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2025
O’Brien’s predecessor George Cashman pled guilty to extortion, following a series of troubling incidents that included a grand jury investigation into shakedowns of producers on reportedly such films as The Cider House Rules and The Perfect Storm.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
Hunter tried to use references to his drug use to avoid accountability for his international shake down business.
—Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shakedown
Verb
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
O’Brien’s predecessor George Cashman pled guilty to extortion, following a series of troubling incidents that included a grand jury investigation into shakedowns of producers on reportedly such films as The Cider House Rules and The Perfect Storm.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
Noun
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
Hunter tried to use references to his drug use to avoid accountability for his international shake down business.
—Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shakedown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shakedown
Verb
-
Job interviews are getting complicated in the age of AI, as ways to cheat the process proliferate.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
26 Sep. 2025
-
But in the premiere, his relentless enthusiasm and chipper choice to cheat won me over.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The spacious cabin has a combination entertainment-dining area outfitted with two sofas, a full-size kitchen, a private bathroom, and a main bedroom that can fit a king-size mattress (there are additional sleeping areas, including an overhead bunk above the cockpit).—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Once he was handcuffed, deputies placed him on the lower bunk of his cell.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
21 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
For Black, finding the right balance is always an ongoing process of trial and error, a battle that is largely won in the editing room.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
1 Oct. 2025
-
But deciding which treats would make it in the final version required a fair amount of (witch) trial and error.—
Eric Andersson,
PEOPLE,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Pistorius warned that 39 Chinese and Russian reconnaissance satellites were flying over Germany transmitting real-time surveillance data and said NATO allies needed to develop offensive capabilities needed to be developed in space to deter any threat.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Then, if a system develops from the wave moving into the Bahamas, additional flights would take place to get center position fixes every six hours, according to the reconnaissance schedule.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Reds squeezed into the third wild-card slot for their first playoff appearance in five years.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Some people who have bought homes in the last few years feel squeezed by monthly payments that leave little cash left over.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The grounds are especially magical in fall—gardens alive with late-season blooms, hammocks beneath golden canopies, sweeping views of both Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.—
Christine Chitnis,
Vogue,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Nestled in the countryside near the picturesque village of Gordes, the 12-bedroom home offers striking mountain views along with a range of picturesque outdoor perks that include a heated pool, hammock, pétanque court, and an elegant garden.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Bears have a week off to savor this thrilling win before preparing for the next test.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Across the education system, from pre-k to college, smaller class sizes have been a wish for students and teachers alike with numerous studies finding more individualized learning boosts test scores and attendance.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
From creating social media posts to writing stories to leading search-audience strategy — and a whole lot more — lead digital producer Chris Kuhagen has a huge impact on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newsroom.—
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
After the vehicle was found, the sheriff’s office’s aviation unit, drone team, dive team and K-9 unit conducted a search of the area extending into the night hours, but were unable to locate Fisher.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shakedown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shakedown. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share