racketeers
/ˌrækɪˈtɪərz/
NOUN
1. People who commit crimes for an illegal business
People who engage in criminal activities such as fraud, bribery, loan sharking, or extortion to support or profit from an illegal business.
1.1. Members of organized criminal operations
People involved in organized crime who carry out illegal activities for financial gain.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- lawmen
- police officers
- law-abiding citizens
Examples
- The authorities successfully apprehended a group of notorious racketeers involved in illegal activities.
- Law enforcement agencies collaborated to track down and prosecute the suspected racketeers.
Related Words
- criminals
- lawbreakers
- offenders
- outlaws
- organized crime
- criminal organizations
- underworld
1.2. People who commit fraud or extortion
People who obtain money or benefits through dishonest schemes, deception, intimidation, blackmail, or unlawful demands.
Synonyms
- extortionists
- extortioners
- blackmailers
- swindlers
- defrauders
- cheaters
- double-dealers
- cozeners
- sharpers
- chisellers
- profiteers
- sharks
Antonyms
- honest people
- benefactors
- philanthropists
Examples
- The undercover operation aimed to expose the identities of the elusive racketeers operating in the city.
- The courtroom was filled with tension as witnesses bravely testified against the accused racketeers.
Related Words
- fraud
- extortion
- blackmail
- swindle
- deception
- shakedown
- protection racket
- racketeering
NOUN
2. People who instigate or participate in a racket
People who organize, promote, or participate in a dishonest or illegal scheme, often involving intimidation, coercion, or extortion.
2.1. People who intimidate or coerce others
People who use threats, pressure, bullying, or intimidation to force others to comply with their demands.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- protectors
- peacemakers
- supporters
Examples
- The racketeers threatened local shopkeepers to force them into paying protection money.
- Residents reported the racketeers who had been intimidating businesses in the neighborhood.
Related Words
- coercion
- intimidation
- bullying
- duress
- threats
- harassment
- extortion
VERB
3. Carry out illegal business activities
To conduct illegal business operations or criminal schemes, often involving fraud, extortion, bribery, or other unlawful activities.
3.1. Operating an illegal business
To engage in or manage unlawful business activities for financial gain.
Synonyms
- engage in racketeering
- conduct illegal operations
- operate a criminal enterprise
- run an illegal business
- commit organized crime
Antonyms
- act lawfully
- conduct legitimate business
- comply with the law
Examples
- Several groups of criminals racketeers through illegal businesses and fraudulent schemes.
- Authorities investigated organizations suspected of racketeering across several regions.
Related Words
- racketeering
- organized crime
- criminal enterprise
- fraud
- corruption
- extortion
3.2. Committing crimes systematically
To participate repeatedly in criminal activities as part of an organized group or criminal operation.
Synonyms
- commit crimes
- engage in criminal activity
- break the law
- conduct criminal activities
- participate in organized crime
Antonyms
- obey the law
- act lawfully
- follow regulations
Examples
- The authorities discovered that the group racketeers systematically through fraud and extortion.
- Investigators worked to identify the organizations that racketeers across state lines.
Related Words
- criminality
- lawbreaking
- wrongdoing
- malfeasance
- misconduct
- criminal organization