Synonyms of compulsion

compulsion

noun

kəm-ˈpəl-shən 

as in pressure

the use of power to impose one's will on another

in that class I read books under compulsion that I ordinarily wouldn't have considered

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pressure
• constraint
• coercion
• intimidation
• violence
• duress
• fear
• force
• threat
• stress
• arm-twisting
• menace
• terror
• terrorism
• sword
• bullying
• strength
• squeeze
• muscle
• might
• potency
• browbeating
• willfulness
• bulldozing
• self-will
• strain
• squeeze play
• puissance
• hardheadedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agreement
• consent
• approval
• permission
• reason
• persuasion
• suasion
• convincing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of compulsion

Under state law, lack of consent generally must be shown through forcible compulsion or a clear expression of nonconsent. — Ilana Turko, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026

The real question is whether Pennsylvania and cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia want skill games and other gambling opportunities to be widespread and unavoidable for people who struggle with compulsions to gamble. — Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Still, from early on, Brigitte understood the compulsion as evidence of her mother’s resolve. — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Long before the serial killings, Puente publicly claimed to have adopted them — revealing her desperate need for attention and a compulsion to lie. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026