fleecing

VERB

plunder, steal

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cheat defraud gouge overcharge swindle

STRONG

bleed burn clip con cozen despoil flimflam hustle milk mulct pluck rifle rob rook shaft strip

WEAK

jerk around rip off rope in run a game on sell a bill of goods take for a ride take to the cleaners

Antonyms

WEAK

give offer

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.

Not only did this nonleadership fail to halt existing fraud, criminals expanded over the next seven years into fleecing programs for disabilities, adult daycare, autism, substance abuse and housing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

More than 40 musicians have signed a letter urging the UK prime minister to "stop touts from fleecing fans" and cap the price that can be charged when tickets are resold.

From BBC • Nov. 12, 2025

The fleecing of Kevin, who ProPublica agreed to identify by first name only, was a textbook example of pig butchering.

From Salon • Jun. 26, 2025

He’s not the Albert Robles who was found guilty 19 years ago of fleecing South Gate out of $20 million as treasurer — that’s Big Al Robles.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025

“Not suckering me here, are you, Jace? Tell you what, how about fleecing me for one pound?”

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell