as in cheated
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
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 shaken down
Law firms are shaken down into submission.
—
Christopher Bouzy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
Christopher Bouzy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaken down
Verb
-
The fractures within the group, however — with some of the cast siding with Ariana Madix (who’d been cheated on), and others agreeing to film with Tom Sandoval (who had cheated) — made filming for Season 11 mostly unsustainainable.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Overall, prosecutors allege the nearly three-dozen defendants cheated unfortunate players out of at least $7 million.—
Ben Brachfeld,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But there's also concern that these programs, some funded by private donations and not used to such demand, will be financially squeezed.—
Lily Altavena,
Freep.com,
30 Oct. 2025
-
George Matysik, executive director of Share Food Program, a Philadelphia food bank, told USA TODAY that food banks are already squeezed by federal funding cuts.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
At times, Gerber has even worn pieces plucked directly from Crawford’s wardrobe.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Raped with a statue of Jesus plucked from a mantle.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
While basic first aid can often ease the pain of a bee sting, according to the Mayo Clinic, those who are stung more than a dozen times can experience a more severe reaction, which includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and lightheadedness.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Considering that one cocktail could cost one hour of some employees’ wages, the removal of that free drink benefit stung even more, Quimby and Reber told Deadline.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
India was the last of the four teams to qualify for the semifinals, but then beat defending champion and seven-time winner Australia by five wickets to reach the final.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
-
By Mitch Bannon, Fabian Ardaya and Tyler Kepner For the first time in 25 years, baseball has a repeat champion, as the Los Angeles Dodgers — on two of the most memorable home runs in World Series history — came back to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in 11 innings in Game 7.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Although his longest run of the day was for just 13 yards, Wisner consistently ripped off four-, five- and six-yard carries to keep the offense on schedule and in manageable situations.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
-
The running game received a boost when sixth-year back Malik Sherrod ripped off a 44-yard run in the first half, but that’s where the excitement ended.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
More than 1 million federal student loan borrowers are stuck in a backlog to enroll in repayment plans, according to court records from mid-September.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Hunt, stuck in traffic four yards shy of the goal line when Mahomes took off, slipped through the line and rolled along with his quarterback and found an opening.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Many parents and online safety advocates think more can be done.—
Angela Yang,
NBC news,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will run out of money on Saturday, ratcheting up pressure on both parties to get a deal done to end the government shutdown.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shaken down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaken%20down. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share