lynx   »   [go: up one dir, main page]

force 1 of 2

1
2
as in to violate
to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse with a person unwilling or unable to give consent was accused of forcing a woman

Synonyms & Similar Words

force

2 of 2

noun

1
as in manpower
a body of persons at work or available for work the entire force of the shipyard will be needed to get this government order done on time

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
4
5
as in impact
the quality of an utterance that provokes interest and produces an effect expressed the full force of her frustration with her son for his reckless behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

6
7
8
as in supply
the number of individuals or amount of something available at any given time the great debate during the Cold War was whether the nation's missile force was adequate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of force are coerce, compel, constrain, and oblige. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," 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

In what contexts can coerce take the place of force?

The meanings of coerce and force largely overlap; however, 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 force?

While in some cases nearly identical to force, 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 force?

While the synonyms constrain and force are close in meaning, constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

When could oblige be used to replace force?

The words oblige and force are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 force
Verb
The crash and chemical plume forced the town to evacuate, and residents still fear long-term effects of pollution. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025 Trump's threat, if carried out, would force these countries to choose between Russian energy and access to the American market. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
On 25th March 2025, Russian forces launched a massive drone assault on Dnipropetrovsk oblast, including Marhanets and Nikopol, marking one of the largest and most intense attacks of the war to date. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025 Such a designation could potentially empower the US government to use military force abroad in combatting the groups. Abel Alvarado, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
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
  • Earlier in the episode, Whitfield and Lindy violate Mabel — then pour hot coffee on her — before Whitfield pushes her down on the breakfast table and rapes her.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Not the least of which is that the terms of the settlement clearly violate antitrust law, which was the grounds for the lawsuit in the first place.
    Joe Sabin, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But there must have been a pressure, or at least the possibility, of staying on tour for a whole ‘nother year, if not longer, knowing the demand for it was there and then some.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
  • As privacy changes reshape digital advertising and economic pressures demand greater efficiency, the cost of fragmented analysis is becoming impossible to ignore.
    Cody Greco, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Natural gas has the opportunity to compete with coal, diesel, and other inefficient power sources across the globe, delivering cleaner and cheaper power.
    Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Moreover, after years of shrinking congressional power, the public seemed undisturbed.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Being aware and speaking to these issues demonstrates your ability to see the big picture and an intention to make an impact beyond your role.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Cutting grant dollars so substantially and unexpectedly cannot be addressed in a way that limits the impacts of those cuts to research alone.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • One where the memories are as much of romance as violence, as based around out-of-pocket jokes as tears.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Their violence — in medieval bestiaries, unicorns are regularly said to have beef with elephants and take them down by goring their bellies — is contrasted with their gentleness towards maidens and innate understanding of purity.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Smith said one of the runners, a male who police have not identified, returned back into the house.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
  • West Sacramento police were investigating the deadly Wednesday morning shooting in the 900 block of F Street, department officials said in a brief statement posted to social media.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The higher prices on food supplies equate to higher meal costs.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Such a move, paired with the first-ever price drop for the original Switch, would supercharge interest in the new console and likely make initial Switch 2 supplies that much harder to find on store shelves.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on force

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Лучший частный хостинг