racketeer

1 of 2

noun

rack·​e·​teer ˌra-kə-ˈtir How to pronounce racketeer (audio)
Synonyms of racketeernext
: one who obtains money by an illegal enterprise usually involving intimidation

racketeer

2 of 2

verb

racketeered; racketeering; racketeers

intransitive verb

: to carry on a racket

transitive verb

: to extort money from

Synonyms of racketeer

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Noun

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Examples of racketeer in a Sentence

Noun the racketeer threatened to have his thugs vandalize the shop if the shopkeeper didn't pay him a monthly bribe
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Parts of the city turned into wastelands of racketeers and alcoholics. — Simon Shuster, TIME, 4 Jan. 2024 Oh yeah, this relationship with this 38-year-old racketeer is so beautiful. — Michael Cuby, Them, 1 Aug. 2024
Verb
Three co-defendants accepted plea deals earlier this week on racketeering conspiracy charges and were sentenced to probation and time served. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 31 Oct. 2024 Schneider pleaded guilty in March 1999 to racketeering charges that tied him to the slaying of the Gaugers and received 45 years in prison. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for racketeer

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1924, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1928, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of racketeer was in 1924

Rhymes for racketeer

See All Rhymes for racketeer

Browse Nearby Words

racket
racketeer
racketer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Racketeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/racketeer. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

racketeer

noun
rack·​e·​teer
ˌrak-ə-ˈti(ə)r
: one who gets money or advantages by using force or threats
racketeer verb

Legal Definition

racketeer

noun
rack·​e·​teer ˌra-kə-ˈtir How to pronounce racketeer (audio)
: one that engages in racketeering
racketeer verb

More from Merriam-Webster on racketeer

Nglish: Translation of racketeer for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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