force 1 of 2

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
Referee David Webb’s Premier League debut lasted just 22 minutes as he was forced to leave the field during the first half of the clash between Leicester City and Southampton at King Power Stadium. Rob Tanner, New York Times, 3 May 2025 In some older buildings, condo owners are being asked to pay steep special assessments that threaten to force some people out of their homes. Greg Allen, NPR, 3 May 2025
Noun
In response, these bad actors are devoting considerable resources to automating brute force and phishing attacks against any account still protected by a password. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025 Yell and the regiment were tasked with ensuring that the army's supplies were transported to the new camp, but after Mexican forces fired upon the Arkansans, Yell burned the supplies that had not yet been removed and retreated after the rest of the army to Buena Vista. Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
Verb
  • However, unbeknownst to Joe or the four cooks, Edward felt compelled by Joe's message and sent another food critic to secretly review the restaurant.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 12 May 2025
  • That we are compelled to take Miller’s suggestion seriously is a measure of the gravity of the threat to American democracy.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • That was when the makers, Epic Games, included a direct payment option into the app, which violated Apple’s rules.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • Last week a federal appeals court upheld Sessions’ order to bring Ozturk back to New England for hearings to determine whether her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process, were violated, as her lawyers argue.
    Rodrique Ngowi, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Trump's administration has suggested the U.S. might not defend NATO countries that fail to meet spending targets—a controversial stance that adds pressure to European governments.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • The pressure doesn’t ease for general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll, who enter pivotal fourth seasons at the helm.
    Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • The show explores themes of power, identity and culture in Harlem.
    Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 5 May 2025
  • Bucharest Reuters — Romanians voted on Sunday in the first round of a presidential election that could propel hard-right eurosceptic George Simion to power in a ballot that will test the rise of Donald Trump-style nationalism in the European Union.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
Noun
  • If the case is appealed to a circuit court of appeals, that could broaden the impact because circuits span multiple states.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • Tyler Marsh finished second behind the Fever’s Stephanie White for the new or relocated coach most likely to make the biggest impact.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • More: Trump will end Syria sanctions to 'give them a chance at greatness' The Israeli escalation came against Palestinian hopes that the Trump visit might provide pressure for a deescalation of violence.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • The flashy sequences of violence feel apt for TV (Netflix, along with Steven Spielberg’s production outfit and the Obamas’ media company, is working on a series), but the novel’s real draw is the quieter ache of a family torn apart.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Progressed photo used to show what Ava could look like Ava is a 9-year-old Hispanic female with straight brown hair and brown eyes, Austin police said.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • Video from the scene shows several dumpsters on fire as police moved in to regain control of the building after the demonstrators had locked themselves inside.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Bring along as much food and water for pets as possible, as well as dishes for each; the Animal Health Foundation suggests about a week's supply of food.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • Yell and the regiment were tasked with ensuring that the army's supplies were transported to the new camp, but after Mexican forces fired upon the Arkansans, Yell burned the supplies that had not yet been removed and retreated after the rest of the army to Buena Vista.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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