extort crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "extort", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "extort crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BILK: To swindle or defraud someone out of money or possessions.
MILK: To exploit or drain a person or situation for maximum gain, often financially.
5 Letters
WREST: To pull or twist something from someone's grasp, often implying force or difficulty.
SHAKE: To coerce money or possessions from someone, often through intimidation, as in "shake down".
EXACT: To demand and obtain something, especially money, forcefully or peremptorily.
6 Letters
FLEECE: To swindle or charge excessively for something, leaving someone with less money.
COERCE: To persuade an unwilling person to do something by using force or threats.
DEMAND: To insist on having something, claiming it as a right, often with a sense of urgency or force.
7 Letters
EXTRACT: To obtain something, especially information or money, from someone unwillingly or with difficulty.
SQUEEZE: To obtain something from someone by applying pressure or threats, often money.
8 Letters
PRESSURE: To persuade or coerce someone into doing something, often by applying strong influence.
THREATEN: To state one's intention to take hostile action against someone in retribution for something done or not done.
9 Letters
BLACKMAIL: To demand money or another benefit from someone by threatening to reveal compromising information about them.
More About "extort crossword clue"
The term "extort" in crosswords almost always refers to obtaining something from someone through force, threats, or other unfair means. It's a word that evokes a sense of coercion and illegal acquisition, making its synonyms valuable for crossword solvers. Common crossword puzzle setters often use "extort" to lead to answers that imply taking, demanding, or forcing something out of an individual or entity.
When you encounter "extort" as a clue, think about the various methods of applying pressure or deception to gain something. This could range from subtle psychological manipulation to overt threats of violence or exposure. The answers provided above cover a spectrum of these actions, from the more general "demand" or "coerce" to the highly specific "blackmail" or "fleece". Understanding these nuances can help you pinpoint the exact word fitting the grid.
Often, the context of other solved letters or the puzzle's theme can provide additional hints. For instance, if the puzzle has a crime theme, answers like "blackmail" or "fleece" might be more prominent. Always consider the precise meaning of the clue and how it aligns with the common usages of its synonyms to arrive at the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "extort," consider the intensity and legality implied. Does the clue suggest a forceful demand, a deceptive swindle, or a direct threat? This can help differentiate between close synonyms.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answers to the exact number of letters required by the grid. This is the fastest way to eliminate many possibilities.
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Some answers related to 'extort' might use common prefixes like 'ex-' (as in 'extract') or 'co-' (as in 'coerce'), which can be a hint if you have a few letters already.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, a single word clue like "extort" can lead to a phrasal verb synonym in the grid (e.g., "shake down" - though we only provide single-word answers here, be aware of this for other clues).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'extort' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'extort' typically points to synonyms like demand, coerce, force, or specific actions like blackmail, fleece, or shake down. It implies obtaining something (often money) through threats, intimidation, or misuse of authority.
How do I determine the correct length for an 'extort' answer?
The number of dashes or empty squares in the crossword grid dictates the answer's length. Always count these carefully. If you have some letters already filled in, use those to narrow down possibilities for the remaining length.
Are there common wordplay patterns for 'extort' clues?
Crossword setters might use wordplay like 'force out,' 'get by pressure,' or 'demand unfairly.' Look for clues that imply forceful acquisition, illegal demands, or strong-arm tactics. Anagrams or hidden words are less common for direct synonyms but possible for more cryptic variations.