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Synonym Chooser

How is the word coerce different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of coerce are compel, constrain, force, and oblige. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

When would compel be a good substitute for coerce?

The meanings of compel and coerce largely overlap; however, compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

When is it sensible to use constrain instead of coerce?

The words constrain and coerce can be used in similar contexts, but constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

In what contexts can force take the place of coerce?

While in some cases nearly identical to coerce, force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.

forced to flee for their lives

When might oblige be a better fit than coerce?

While the synonyms oblige and coerce are close in meaning, oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.

felt obliged to go

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of coerce Read more Iraq The World's Selective Outrage—Alawite Massacres in Syria Deserve Our Attention | Opinion The Asayish, Kurdistan's official security organization, regularly targets Assyrians in the Nahla Valley, coercing them to sign fake concessions. David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025 These tariffs were originally intended to pressure Mexico to step up immigration enforcement at the U.S. border, and to coerce all three countries into doing more to limit illicit fentanyl trafficking into the United States. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2025 Spiro said the investigators who approached Jane Doe did not coerce or threaten her. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025 Hard power also requires the maintenance of a strong military to coerce or bully others through abrasive interactions and to constantly mitigate threats. Matthew Clary, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coerce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coerce
Verb
  • To compel Brand to return home, the UK government’s Home Office would need to make an extradition request to U.S. authorities.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Overreaching diversity strategies can not only suppress speech, but also compel it.
    Suzanne Nossel, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Her story forced the country to confront a flawed legal system and the cultural discomfort with women who challenged it.
    Gemma Allen, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The move, which has already begun, is again forcing the displacement of Palestinian civilians who returned to their homes in northern and southern Gaza strip after the ceasefire was announced in January.
    Barak Ravid, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Is he contractually obligated to win all the fights?
    Chris Lee, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The payment to the city needs to be fulfilled by March 30, when the city is obligated to close its books for the year.
    Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The 125 states that recognize the ICC -- including France, Germany and the United Kingdom -- are obliged to arrest anyone with an outstanding arrest warrant who enters their territory.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2025
  • As a signatory of the Rome Statute, which established the court in 2002, Hungary is obliged to arrest Netanyahu.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coerce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coerce. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on coerce

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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