HOBSON'S CHOICE Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

Hobson's choice

noun

Definition of Hobson's choice

as in coercion

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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 Hobson's choice Read my lips, in a veritable Hobson's choice between person or thing, AI is a thing, for now. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 June 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for Hobson's choice

Noun

In every interview, responders described legal coercion that followed them well beyond the clinical relationship — from confusion about how an order ends to collateral harm to employment, housing, custody proceedings, and immigration status.

— Sakeena Trice, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026
Russia’s frequent weaponization of natural gas had shown how coercion would incentivize target countries to diversify over the long-term.

— GLORIA XIONG, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of coercion

Noun

Peel, who is an expert on the Mexican cattle trade, told CNN that screwworm isn’t the primary force behind high cattle prices, and sees the issue as a fig-leaf for a broader anti-free trade agenda.

— Max Saltman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Hyperliquid, which lets users trade through self-custody wallets rather than a traditional centralized exchange, has emerged as a major force in crypto derivatives trading over the past year.

— Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of force

Noun

The duties cover products including alcohol, dairy goods, cement and even the humble hockey stick.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Among them, offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand opted against taking what was effectively a demotion, with play-calling duties going to a more veteran coach (eventually, Frank Reich), and left, too.

— Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of duty

Noun

There were plenty of options, from excursions and cultural experiences to restaurants and time by the pool or beach, but none felt like obligations.

— Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Most of the funds would be borrowed, with about $10 billion coming through general obligation bonds that would be repaid over time by California taxpayers.

— Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of obligation

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“Hobson's choice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Hobson%27s%20choice. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of Hobson's choice

noun

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