extort

verb

ik-ˈstȯrt How to pronounce extort (audio)
Definition of extortnext
as in to coerce
to get (as money) by the use of force or threats a school bully who was used to extorting lunch money from weaker kids

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb extort contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of extort are educe, elicit, evoke, and extract. While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

Where would educe be a reasonable alternative to extort?

While the synonyms educe and extort are close in meaning, educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

In what contexts can elicit take the place of extort?

In some situations, the words elicit and extort are roughly equivalent. However, elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When is evoke a more appropriate choice than extort?

The synonyms evoke and extort are sometimes interchangeable, but evoke implies a strong stimulus that arouses an emotion or an interest or recalls an image or memory.

a song that evokes warm memories

When could extract be used to replace extort?

The words extract and extort can be used in similar contexts, but extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information.

extracted a confession from him

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of extort He is accused of extorting minors to write names on their naked skin, cut themselves and stick objects such as knives into their genitals. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 Evil, jealous and cruel men like Fountain will use anything to control their victims including extorting them with their most personal and emotional memories. — Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Cartels regularly extort producers in protection schemes, according to a 2024 report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2026 In fact, the company claims that Afram and the production company are attempting to use the lawsuit to extort money from Netflix, including by issuing a demand letter for $165 million. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for extort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extort
  1. coerce
  2. squeeze
  3. wring
  4. exact
  5. wrest
Verb
  • But in the past, these efforts were largely aimed at threatening or coercing Washington to act in their favor.
    — Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
  • That user is suing multiple sportsbooks, including FanDuel, for leveraging VIP perks to coerce further betting.
    — Tim Britton, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of coerce
Verb
  • The Middle East war and the resulting shipping disruption through the Strait of Hormuz drove up global commodity costs, further squeezing Beijing's own appetite for commodity imports.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Independent designers, once a discovery engine, were being squeezed, while the biggest brands put more investment into their own stores, creating a dichotomy in experiences that Bron felt was palpable.
    — Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • Take care to not wring, scrub, or twist the material during the process.
    — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The intensity of the crowds vary from stop to stop (Czech came ready to rage at Rock for People in June), but Halsey persistently wrings herself out.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of wring
Verb
  • Jordan may wish to exact revenge, and Eddy may want to find one of the victims who has vanished, but both have to go about their work furtively.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Economic analysts have told CNN that targeting these banks and Chinese companies would be crucial to exacting a major toll on Iran’s economy.
    — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of exact
Verb
  • Detectives suspected that members of a Black gang, the Original Valley Gangster Crips, killed him in an attempt to wrest control of the drug dealing hub.
    — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Jim and Johnny attempted to wrest control of the franchise from Jeanie and remove her as the Lakers’ controlling owner.
    — Law Murray, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of wrest

Browse Nearby Words

extols
extort
extorted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extort. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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