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

But when a generation stops believing that an unjust rule has legitimacy, coercion becomes increasingly expensive.

— Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Their rule in Yemen has inflicted suffering on people through corruption, coercion, aid diversion, and war.

— Jason D. Greenblatt, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of coercion

Noun

Last week, Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a lightning offensive against Yemeni government forces, seizing control of the country’s entire Red Sea coast, including the towns and islands around the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 20 Sep. 2026
Security forces were searching the compound and nearby areas, and the bodies of eight attackers were recovered, according to local police.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of force

Noun

Even once the hospital began to review the spike in infant mortality and connections to Letby’s work shifts — and even after the nurse had been placed on administrative duties in July 2016 — police weren’t called until May 2017.

— Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Ultimately, what convinced many of her colleagues was the reassurance that citizens would not have decisional power; the parliament had a duty to consider their recommendations but could decide not to adopt them.

— Esther King, The Dial, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of duty

Noun

Jensen said some residents have begun exploring their legal options, citing both the emotional duress of hearing constant screams and also a fear of potentially lower property values.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Willis was under duress from the Raiders’ pass rush for most of the day, getting sacked five times while tossing one interception.

— Sam Warren, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026

Definition of duress

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“Hobson's choice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Hobson%27s%20choice. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of Hobson's choice

noun

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