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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shake down
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 8 Dec. 2024
He’d been convicted in 1971 for felony weapons possession after being caught shaking down a different nightclub, serving 20 months in prison.
—Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2024
Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2025
After the shakedown DeepSeek AI gave the tech sector on Monday, investors will be eager to hear what those company executives will have to say on their respective earnings conference calls.
—Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Verb
The drug dealers who stole the oil company’s plane — and who lost a lot of money in the accident in the series premiere — show up to a derrick and try to shake down Tommy.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 8 Dec. 2024
He’d been convicted in 1971 for felony weapons possession after being caught shaking down a different nightclub, serving 20 months in prison.
—Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2024
Noun
Police have responded to numerous violent incidents stemming from prostitution shakedowns, and a man suspected of assaulting a gambling den patron in 2022 has also been investigated for allegedly going around gambling dens demanding protection money, authorities said.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2025
After the shakedown DeepSeek AI gave the tech sector on Monday, investors will be eager to hear what those company executives will have to say on their respective earnings conference calls.
—Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake down
Verb
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In July 2022, Renay announced her split from NE-YO in a fiery Instagram caption that accused him of cheating.—
Raven Brunner,
People.com,
24 Feb. 2025
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Here are four deeper psychological factors behind why some people cheat—even in happy relationships.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Opening with just two Airstreams, there are now seven travel trailers as well as two houses and a bunk house.—
Matthew Glowicki,
The Courier-Journal,
16 Feb. 2025
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Yet only 287 of those referrals succeeded, mainly because facilities were full or the available spots — like top bunks — were inaccessible.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Many have encouraged others to lean into their unique journeys, explaining that personal style is a reflection of trial and error, not just an inherent gift.—
Daisy Maldonado,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2025
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Through trial and error Kytch figured out what the errors were and then suggested a course of action to fix the machine.—
Jason Ogaard,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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These inflatable decoys can be rapidly deployed, easily transported, and provide a low-cost means of confusing enemy reconnaissance efforts.—
Vikram Mittal,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
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Light helicopters were first developed in the 1960s as part of a trend to create small, agile rotorcraft for observation, reconnaissance and the transport of troops into challenging terrains.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Goldman Sachs previously estimated that these tariffs could increase inflation by 1 percent while squeezing U.S. company profits and risking retaliatory measures from other nations.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
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Risks remain—policy shifts could stall, or DOGE’s efficiency drive might squeeze budgets—but the upside potential is tantalizing.—
Jaime Catmull,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The quirky structure is sandwiched among three gum trees and features a secret door, indoor bar, tiki torches, hammock, and rope-and-pulley system for hoisting up supplies.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2025
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Additional scenes were shot in the hotel’s restaurants, pool, gym, boxing ring, spirit house, beach and common areas, as well as those luxurious water hammocks.—
Jordan Riefe,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Some parents might use screens as a way to get their kid to settle after a long day of activity, or maybe their child's test scores only improved after watching tutorials on YouTube.—
Annabelle Canela,
Parents,
26 Feb. 2025
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In the nineteen-thirties, Japan colonized Manchuria, in northeastern China, and the region became a test ground for techno-fascism.—
Kyle Chayka,
The New Yorker,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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After reviewing body camera footage of the incident as part of its internal investigation, the department recommended that the officer receive a two-day suspension for the improper search allegation.—
Libor Jany,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2025
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While reverse recruiting can enhance job search efficiency, securing the right role ultimately depends on market demand, individual qualifications and competition.—
Adam Fineberg,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shake down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20down. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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