as in squeezes
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shakes down
The commission shakes down property owners by, say, requiring them to remove structures or give up development rights.
—
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
Later, Tom pours vodka into a Phillies cup and watches birds flutter by at night while Robbie gets his guns ready and shakes down a trap house.
—
Grace Byron,
Vulture,
8 Sep. 2025
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
Later, Tom pours vodka into a Phillies cup and watches birds flutter by at night while Robbie gets his guns ready and shakes down a trap house.
—
Grace Byron,
Vulture,
8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shakes down
Verb
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With electric vehicles continuing to gain share, that further squeezes European carmakers.
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At one point, the SUV squeezes past a traffic cone while making a left turn and narrowly avoids colliding with a large truck.
Verb
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Though Lesnar rarely cheats to win, Femi isn’t going to lose clean.
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Five average players committed to protecting the middle of the ice are more effective than four great ones and one who cheats for offence.
Verb
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Considering Dylan Holloway was that pick, and the Oilers haven’t found much in any round of all the drafts since, the irony stings for fans of the team.
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If feedback stings, breathe, then ask one clarifying question so everyone understands your intent.
Verb
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His torso and thighs grow eye-poppingly muscular beneath their skimpy fur-and-leather togs—a development that does not go unnoticed by a warrior named Red Hair, who plucks the young hunk from his post and tosses him into the prime time of the gladiator pit.
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But the emotional gravity of this offering's deeply personal, melancholic lyrical content plucks an undeniably profound chord that uniquely separates it from the rest of his work.
Verb
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Despite concerns that chip stocks could be topping out as the industry hustles to boost supply, Wall Street thinks Micron still has plenty of room to run.
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In games like Tuesday, when that deep postseason run seems realistic, UCLA pops the ball around on offense and communicates and hustles to overcome its deficiencies on defense.
Verb
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The race is won by the team that beats their handicap speed by the greatest margin.
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The infant’s heart beats into the night, like the thumping of a little giant, breaking rocks deep in the Mines of Moria.
Verb
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Your practical eye spots tiny gaps, while a kind tone keeps people open to change so the fix actually sticks today.
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Selfie sticks For the safety and comfort of all guests, guests may only bring selfie sticks, handheld extension poles and tripods no longer than 18 inches on board, for use in most areas.
Verb
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When the woman exits, her assailant throws her to the ground, rips off her clothes and overpowers her.
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The leader of these superheroes rips off his protective visor and unleashes a catastrophic optic blast.
Cite this Entry
“Shakes down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shakes%20down. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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