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
2
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
Christopher Bouzy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
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
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
Law firms are shaken down into submission.
—Christopher Bouzy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for shakedown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shakedown
Verb
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But things got particularly ugly in the most recent reunion episode, in which Adriana de Moura not only leaned on lesbophobic and biphobic rhetoric, but also claimed that Julia Lemigova (who is famously married to renowned TERF Martina Navratilova) has been cheating for years.—
James Factora,
Them.,
10 Oct. 2025
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Then de Moura decided to drop a few bombshells of her own, accusing her former bestie of not just cheating with her but with two men.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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On the table next to Captain Purdie’s bunk is what looks like a copper coin, a fringe of glutinous seaweed smothering it to the surface of the wood.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Oct. 2025
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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
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
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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
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Common areas like the on-site library, pool, and terrace with attractive cotton hammocks invite visitors to settle in and relax.—
Sarah Buder,
AFAR Media,
8 Oct. 2025
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Consider supportive pillows for improved sleep, durable tents, lightweight hammocks, and even complete kitchen sets.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Paul Maurice expected Saturday night to be the biggest test of the Florida Panthers’ season-opening homestand.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
12 Oct. 2025
-
The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people, including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
12 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 14 Oct. 2025.
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