coercion
noun
co·er·cion
kō-ˈər-zhən 
-shən
: the act, process, or power of coercing
They used coercion to obtain the confession.
Examples of coercion in a Sentence
a promise obtained by coercion is never binding
Recent Examples on the Web
In California, the Bane Act allows lawsuits against those who use threats, coercion or intimidation to violate a person’s constitutional rights.
—
Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 15 Apr. 2026
In that speech, Carney condemned economic coercion by great powers against smaller countries, and received widespread praise.
—Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
View from emerging economies Vietnam is the standout performer in the new global economy, nimble enough to navigate a fractured global order, strong enough to resist superpower coercion, and open enough to capture the immense opportunities from growing South-to-South trade flows.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026
In that speech, Carney condemned economic coercion by great powers against smaller countries and received widespread praise for his remarks.
—ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for coercion
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Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 15 Apr. 2026
In that speech, Carney condemned economic coercion by great powers against smaller countries, and received widespread praise.
—Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
View from emerging economies Vietnam is the standout performer in the new global economy, nimble enough to navigate a fractured global order, strong enough to resist superpower coercion, and open enough to capture the immense opportunities from growing South-to-South trade flows.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026
In that speech, Carney condemned economic coercion by great powers against smaller countries and received widespread praise for his remarks.
—ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for coercion
Cite this Entry
“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercion. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
coercion
noun
co·er·cion
kō-ˈər-zhən, -shən
: the use of express or implied threats of violence or reprisal (as discharge from employment) or other intimidating behavior that puts a person in immediate fear of the consequences in order to compel that person to act against his or her will
also
: the defense that one acted under coercion see also defense, duress compare undue influence
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