force 1 of 2

Definition of forcenext
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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

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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
Vogt was forced to reshuffle his lineup and put Rhys Hoskins, who began the game at first base, in left field. Tom Withers, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026 Neither candidate cleared 50% in the May 2 general election, forcing the runoff. Doug Myers, CBS News, 14 June 2026
Noun
The British royal family stepped out in full force on Saturday, June 13, for the official celebration of King Charles' birthday. Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026 Dosara appealed to government forces to dismantle the Bayan-Ruwa enclave in the Maradun forest, where the gunmen were hiding. Dyepkazah Shibayan, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
Verb
  • The labor shortage could compel the Kremlin to recruit more labor from India, North Korea and various African nations to ease pressures on both the civilian and military sectors.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • Residents in Miami-Dade's Redland area are mobilizing to compel county officials to allocate dedicated annual funding for road resurfacing and maintenance, citing dangerous and deep potholes that frequently damage vehicles.
    Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • In 2014, Smith served a nine-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 June 2026
  • He was suspended multiple times during his career for infractions including violating the league's substance abuse and personal conduct policy.
    Brandon Downs, CBS News, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • The culprit at the time was determined to not be related to the technology but to insufficient manpower.
    Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2026
  • Chicago Fire Department The Chicago Fire Department raised a still-and-box alarm for more equipment and manpower.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • While the Patriots could have caved to the pressure, Cash said the group was ready to adjust.
    Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026
  • The knockout stage is where the stakes get higher and the pressure becomes stifling.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • The low-wing, single-engine turboprop plane was not able to make it to full power, according to officials with the Bates County Emergency Management Agency.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026
  • The sweeping changes will reflect Britain’s values, helping to protect children online while pushing back against the power of big technology companies, Starmer told a press conference.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • The potential pitfall of that is diluting Walker’s effectiveness at his primary position.
    Josh Kendall, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • The plan was met with mixed reaction, with some praising Starmer for taking action and others questioning the effectiveness of a blanket ban.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • But in terms of global impact, socially, culturally and economically, nothing comes close to the World Cup.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 11 June 2026
  • Amodei, however, remained optimistic about AI's impact on humanity and its ability, for instance, to cure medical maladies.
    Mason Leath, ABC News, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Countries with large populations of Venezuelan migrants, including Peru and Colombia, have accused the group of being behind a spree of violence in the region.
    Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
  • In Port-au-Prince, where chronic electricity shortages and gang violence have disrupted daily life for years, residents have been preparing communal viewing areas so supporters can watch the match together.
    Reuters, NBC news, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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