Synonyms of extort

extort

verb

ik-ˈstȯrt 

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

• coerce
• squeeze
• wring
• exact
• wrest
• force
• gouge
• compel
• swindle
• milk
• bleed
• cheat
• skin
• fleece
• racketeer

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

Recent Examples of extort

The policy was a boon for drug cartel members, who targeted asylum seekers to extort, kidnap and rape them, human rights groups say. —Annie Correal, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025

Though news broke yesterday that a deal had been reached, Israel cautioned that it was not finalized and accused Hamas of trying to extort last-minute demands. —Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025

Federal prosecutor Andrew Jones countered that the sheer number of women who have accused the brothers — over 40 — flies in the face of a conspiracy to extort the brothers. —Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025

This week’s Poway City Council resulted in a vote to appoint Christopher Pikus to an open seat — along with a heated exchange over the conduct of Councilmember Tony Blain, who has been accused of trying to bribe and extort his colleagues in his push for a special election. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025