coercive

adjective

co·​er·​cive kō-ˈər-siv How to pronounce coercive (audio)
: serving or intended to coerce
coercive power
coercive measures
coercively adverb
coerciveness noun

Examples of coercive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In coercive attacks—such as home invasions or kidnappings—attackers typically seek speed. Marie Poteriaieva, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 Trump underestimated Russian President Vladimir Putin’s determination to subjugate Ukraine and has consequently failed to confront the Kremlin with the coercive pressure needed to stop its ongoing aggression. Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2025 Police officers also use coercive measures such as firing chemical irritants and pepper balls at protesters. Jeremy Pressman, The Conversation, 15 June 2025 Some pundits posit that Mr. Trump is aiming to expand the doctrine globally, citing his trade policy based on coercive tariffs, the driving force of his nationalist economic policy. Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for coercive

Word History

Etymology

coerce + -ive

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coercive was circa 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Coercive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercive. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Legal Definition

coercive

adjective
co·​er·​cive kō-ˈər-siv How to pronounce coercive (audio)
1
: serving or intended to coerce
2
: resulting from coercion
to protect women from coercive intimacyKimberle Crenshaw

More from Merriam-Webster on coercive

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