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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as in bunk
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shake down
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2025
In 2008, federal prosecutors accused Blagojevich of turning Illinois' government into a moneymaking operation for himself by trying to, among other things, shake down a children's hospital and racetrack owners.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025
Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
Veith also pointed out that his shakedown scheme was never going to be successful, since his targets — who also included a musician who was arrested and an athlete’s relative who was busted — had access to money, power and lawyers.
—John Annese, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Verb
However, expect Mostert to be released or shaken down for a pay cut, and Jeff Wilson, who sparingly played in 2024, will be a free agent.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2025
In 2008, federal prosecutors accused Blagojevich of turning Illinois' government into a moneymaking operation for himself by trying to, among other things, shake down a children's hospital and racetrack owners.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
Edward Burke, who spent a record 54 years on the City Council and now is in prison for his own shakedown scheme.
—Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
Veith also pointed out that his shakedown scheme was never going to be successful, since his targets — who also included a musician who was arrested and an athlete’s relative who was busted — had access to money, power and lawyers.
—John Annese, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake down
Verb
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There's a problem these players aren't punished enough for cheating.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
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And right when they're embroiled in the ensuing messy separation, new DNA evidence surfaces in Adam's case, the woman Bob cheated with turns up missing, and just like that, Sarah's back in the spotlight.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The cramped cells are equipped with tiered metal bunks without mattresses, two basins for washing, and two open toilets.—
Rebecca Beitsch,
The Hill,
3 Apr. 2025
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Overnight guests bunk in the house’s dedicated guest suite, which features a private entrance.—
Kristine Hansen,
Architectural Digest,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Here are some key lessons that could save you years of trial and error, both today and further down the line.—
Aditya Shah,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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There have been expensive product mistakes and lots of trial and error with brushes, clips, hair dryers….—
Liz Krieger,
Allure,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The unit soon started making their own drone bombs and by March 2023, Birds of Magyar had grown from a reconnaissance platoon into a strike drone company.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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The commandos’ raid into the heart of Seoul on Jan. 21, 1968 — and North Korea’s seizure of the American reconnaissance ship U.S.S. Pueblo two days later — marked one of the peaks of Cold War tensions on the divided Korean Peninsula.—
Choe Sang-Hun,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Mike Pavlik, whose family lived across the alley behind ours and who was the leadoff batter on our softball team, squeezed my arm.—
David McGrath,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Apr. 2025
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Consumer confidence has taken a nosedive in 2025 as Americans grow more concerned that inflation could spike again, and tariffs will squeeze their wallets.—
Austin Denean,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Included in the resort fee are use of beach chairs, umbrellas, hammocks, bicycles, and fishing equipment (including bait).—
Cynthia J Drake,
Southern Living,
14 Apr. 2025
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Some of the most snag-worthy finds include a camping hammock that has more than 25,000 five-star ratings.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The test ahead is what Bessent will do if investors become more concerned that tariffs will harm the U.S. and global economy.—
Nick Sargen,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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The 28-question test takes players about six minutes to complete.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The board, composed of community members and Sacramento State representatives, had discussions in early 2023 about the search.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Strasburg said further developments about the search would be posted on X. USA TODAY reached out to the Coast Guard on Monday for an update.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shake down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20down. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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