blackmail

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“That’s an extraordinary source of revenue — also a reminder that they essentially have a blackmail card up their sleeve,” he added.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

This is when “Heel” is at its most alluringly queasy, a dark commentary on all families as institutions inherently built on confinement and emotional blackmail.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

The man, who cannot be named, was arrested, but within hours Rose was charged with blackmail and later a further charge of perverting the course of public justice.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

J. Edgar Hoover, who led the FBI for 48 years, had established a personal fiefdom devoted to consolidating power and pursuing his own personal obsessions, sometimes with blackmail and coercion.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2026

I did not criticize Mac, but asked what he would blackmail him for.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela