force 1 of 2

Definition of forcenext
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
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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
Our failure so far to force major Iranian concessions is the strongest possible indictment of the president’s decision to appoint Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence, a man whose career includes no experience in any national security field. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2026 But the fact that Apple was forced to raise prices—despite its famous supply chain prowess and its massive purchasing power, not to mention the potential damper on demand—sent a shockwave through the global markets. Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 28 June 2026
Noun
Ambulances rushed to the scene as security forces responded to the assault in the capital of southern Sindh province. ABC News, 27 June 2026 While Eric Andre has been a comedic force for ages, John Cena has dipped back and forth between action and comedy for a while now, succeeding in the latter more so than the former with movies like Blockers and shows like Peacemaker. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
Verb
  • Graf denied a bid from Robinson's defense team to compel his former roommate and lover Lance Twiggs to testify during the preliminary hearing in July.
    Michael Ruiz , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • Representatives of the Utah County Attorney’s Office said they were compelled to speak publicly about the case following speculation in some media outlets.
    Rebecca Boone, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Trump said that Iran violated the ceasefire agreement and that US aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, as well as coastal radar sites.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 28 June 2026
  • But both have accused the other of violating their end of the agreement.
    Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Every fuel truck destroyed, ammunition convoy disrupted or logistics hub struck forces Russian commanders to expend additional time, resources and manpower simply maintaining battlefield operations.
    Hunter LaCroix, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026
  • The military did not have the experience or manpower to maintain camps with large POW populations.
    Helaine Williams, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • For example, a robot needs to comprehend the different levels of pressure that are required while holding an egg versus holding a bottle of water.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 June 2026
  • South Africa is piling on the pressure, but Kim Seung-gyu is keeping his goal clean.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026
  • He was raised in Tiberias and Eilat, outside Israel’s traditional centers of power and influence.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • As electronic warfare capabilities continue to proliferate, maintaining navigation and mission effectiveness without constant access to satellite signals has become increasingly important.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 June 2026
  • There may be an issue with how the pills dissolve, which could impact their effectiveness.
    Jenna Anderson, Health, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Many of the injuries displayed rectangular, band-like and patterned characteristics consistent with impact from a belt-like object, Detective Balders wrote.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026
  • This has fueled debate over their impact on the game, with some viewers complaining about being exposed to commercials during the three-minute stoppages.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • One Haitian man who left the country in 2023, speaking on condition of anonymity, described a reality of constant violence and instability.
    Joan Murray, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • The film has been effectively banned in Boll’s native Germany, due to depictions of extreme violence and seemingly anti-immigrant message, according to The Telegraph.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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