as in to threaten
to use blackmail against (someone)
The old man was being blackmailed by his nephew.
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blackmail
Verb
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The long road to understanding and treating Alzheimer’s disease will get even longer as Alzheimer’s grants are threatened.—
Ari Geller,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Aug. 2025 -
In recent years, Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank have expanded massively, often with the encouragement of the Israeli government, threatening the chances of creating a contiguous Palestinian state in the region.—
Nic Robertson,
CNN Money,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Euro 2025 quarter-finals had late drama, with Italy squeezing past Norway, a comeback out of nowhere from England, and a farcical penalty shootout win over Sweden.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
20 July 2025
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In particular, the price of rice has doubled, squeezing many household budgets despite government handouts.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
20 July 2025
Verb
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That in turn drove low wages for workers, high staff turnover and limited capacity for children.—
Rachel Wegner,
The Tennessean,
26 July 2025
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Ananya, driven by loyalty to her grandmother’s legacy and her own political ambitions, reboots this project with ruthless determination.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
25 July 2025
Verb
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In 2023 South Carolina passed a bill called Gavin's Law that criminalized extorting minors or at-risk adults.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
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The goal is to steal confidential data and install ransomware to extort victim companies for millions in return.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
27 June 2025
Verb
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While some fans were impressed by her party trick, others were concerned about the idea of putting her food on a dirty pizza box.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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But Woodson has impressed in the early days of training camp and likely carves out a depth role, while contributing early on special teams.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The attention influencers and celebrities generate fuels this model, but rest assured, checks and balances coerce cooperation.—
Solo Ceesay,
Rolling Stone,
28 July 2025
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If Messi and teammate Jordi Alba skip the event and avoid immediate sanctions, as early reporting from ESPN suggests, what is to coerce Kylian Mbappe 10 years or Lamine Yamal 20 years from now in the twilight of their careers?—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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In 2022, then-Land Commissioner George P. Bush forced Paxton into a runoff in his bid for a third term for attorney general.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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So far nothing is forcing the city to even help arrest immigrants, even if Immigration and Customs Enforcement asks. Ohio State Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) has introduced House Bill 26, which directs state and local authorities to assist ICE.—
Sharon Coolidge,
The Enquirer,
30 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Blackmail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blackmail. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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