extort

[ik-stawrt] / ɪkˈstɔrt /

VERB

cheat; blackmail

Synonyms

STRONGEST

coerce elicit exact extract wrest wring

STRONG

bleed bully clip demand educe evince fleece force get gouge ice milk obtain pinch secure skin soak squeeze stick sting

WEAK

hold up make pay through nose pull one's leg put screws to put the arm on shake down

Antonyms

STRONG

forfeit give let go loosen lose offer surrender yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There in Africa, smugglers link up with al Qaeda-affiliated groups that escort the cargoes north and extort payments from the overland convoys, said current and former rebel leaders in northern Mali.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 1, 2025

The email from Galda “transparently reflects an attempt to extort and solicit a bribe,” the complaint alleged.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

DragonForce want the BBC to report the hack - they are apparently trying to extort the company for money.

From BBC • May 2, 2025

Tacopina spent his closing argument tearing into Ephron’s credibility, calling him “the worst witness in the history of American jurisprudence,” who only cooperated with police to extort his superstar former friend.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2025

But again he didn’t comply, evidently determined to extort money and obstruct justice.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Vocabulary lists containing extort

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Twists and Turns: Tor

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"Nature" by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!