racketeer 1 of 2

noun

ˌra-kə-ˈtir How to pronounce racketeer (audio)
Definition of racketeernext
as in gangster
a person who gets money from another by using force or threats the racketeer threatened to have his thugs vandalize the shop if the shopkeeper didn't pay him a monthly bribe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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racketeer

2 of 2

verb

as in to blackmail

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 racketeer
Noun
In a police photograph, Lansky stood next to racketeer Charles (Lucky) Luciano. — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025 Oh yeah, this relationship with this 38-year-old racketeer is so beautiful. — Michael Cuby, Them, 1 Aug. 2024
Verb
Each man pleaded guilty to racketeering enterprise conspiracy, or RICO, charges that were brought last September as the third indictment in a sweeping MS-13 case first opened in 2017. — Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 15 July 2025 The case for racketeering conspiracy Prosecutors’ toughest challenge will likely be securing a conviction on the racketeering conspiracy charge, experts agreed, citing its complexity and the novelty of its application in the Combs case. — Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for racketeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for racketeer
  1. gangster
  2. blackmail
  3. thug
  4. extort
  5. blackmailer
  6. muscle
  7. extortionist
  8. coerce
Noun
  • One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its characters’ profound self-consciousness about the place of the gangster in American culture.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Related Stories The story follows Robbie, whose parents were murdered at the hands of notorious gangster Franz Müller in the 90s.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of gangster
Verb
  • And in 1911 a disgruntled ex-Mormon hid a camera under his coat and snapped surreptitious photos of the temple’s interior in an unsuccessful attempt to blackmail the church.
    — Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • But when even dim-witted Chad also balks at the plan, Nora is forced to blackmail him into participating.
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of blackmail
Noun
  • The eponymous former assassin is drawn back into the game after some thugs (led by Alfie Allen) kill his dog and royally piss him off.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Tae-ha’s mom left him after Sang-gil, who was also a boxer prior to becoming a thug, cheated in a match.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of thug
Verb
  • Some cyber criminals may be trying to extort money from a victim.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Clement later successfully extorted one of Roshanki’s friends for $5,000 in drug proceeds, then insisted that Roshanski owed him money for drugs and fraud.
    — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of extort
Noun
  • Apple’s decision to briefly remove Telegram from the App Store has been blamed on a blackmailer duping the company into executing a takedown, according to Telegram’s CEO.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The blackmailer continues to call her, demanding money in exchange for keeping her cam-boy secrets.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 29 May 2026
Definition of blackmailer
Verb
  • Apopka continues its rebuilding stage but watch out for big defensive lineman Demetri Tarpley, who is 6-3 and has muscled up to 305 pounds with an offseason program.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The action spilled to the outside, and Wagner muscled Dragon Lee back into the ring with a powerbomb.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of muscle
Noun
  • There still will be scammers, extortionists, extremists and others who try to take advantage of teens and adults.
    — Larry Magid, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • As bomb technicians struggled to disarm the explosive, the FBI raced against the clock to deliver the ransom while simultaneously hunting the extortionists.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of extortionist
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

Browse Nearby Words

racketed
racketeer
racketeered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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