as in pressure
the use of power to impose one's will on another
it took some arm-twisting, but they eventually agreed to make a donation
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Recent Examples of arm-twisting
Steve Buckley, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Other players, however, insist that disarmament must commence first, or else any political process will be subjected to Hamas’s interference, and to arm-twisting by those who can exert influence with their guns and tunnels.
—Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
Ordinarily, any arm-twisting or horse-trading is done behind the scenes, and typically the winning candidate has been able to wrap up the race within days of the November election.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
This big, beautiful bill fulfills all the promises in the America First agenda.
SCOTT (voice over): But getting it over the finish line took arm-twisting and deal-making.
—ABC News, 6 July 2025
After arm-twisting and cajoling lawmakers overnight, Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) hailed what is likely to be the most significant piece of legislation enacted during the president’s second term.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 4 July 2025
The president's arm-twisting ahead of a House Rules Committee meeting currently set for 1am Wednesday puts heavy pressure on GOP holdouts on a range of sticking points.
—Daniel Moore, Axios, 20 May 2025
Noun
This one-year penance business reeks of score-settling, petty grudges and arm-twisting.
—Steve Buckley, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Other players, however, insist that disarmament must commence first, or else any political process will be subjected to Hamas’s interference, and to arm-twisting by those who can exert influence with their guns and tunnels.
—Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
Ordinarily, any arm-twisting or horse-trading is done behind the scenes, and typically the winning candidate has been able to wrap up the race within days of the November election.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
This big, beautiful bill fulfills all the promises in the America First agenda.
SCOTT (voice over): But getting it over the finish line took arm-twisting and deal-making.
—ABC News, 6 July 2025
After arm-twisting and cajoling lawmakers overnight, Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) hailed what is likely to be the most significant piece of legislation enacted during the president’s second term.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 4 July 2025
The president's arm-twisting ahead of a House Rules Committee meeting currently set for 1am Wednesday puts heavy pressure on GOP holdouts on a range of sticking points.
—Daniel Moore, Axios, 20 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arm-twisting
Noun
-
Can the Eagles do better against Sierra Canyon’s pressure defense?—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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That’s adding pressure on small businesses, which power the US economy and account for most of the country’s jobs.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Analysts have suggested a vote from Waller in favor of interest rate cuts, aligning with the president’s browbeating demands for lower borrowing costs—could be seen as a bellwether for his candidacy.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
28 Jan. 2026
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This might take a series of browbeating prompts, but that’s not a big deal.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Prices can vary depending on the departure point, the type of aircraft and the route constraints, said Ameerh Naran, CEO of Vimana Private Jets.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2026
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However, military powers, including the United States and China, have at times been reluctant to fully embrace binding constraints, reflecting competing priorities between strategic advantage and ethical restraint.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Johnson said the freshman was a mismatch nightmare, bullying smaller guards and utilizing his quickness against larger forwards.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Mar. 2026
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Safety for transportation of our children; safety from bullying, mental health issues; and safety from vaping, drug and alcohol use on school property.—
Alec Johnson,
jsonline.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Run with a creative compulsion as Venus and Uranus harmonize!—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Mania of the week Graphomania — obsessive compulsion to write, also known as scribomania.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The spa also feels high-end without being intimidating—my facialist answered all my questions while providing a calming, nearly ASMR experience.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
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Toni Rice, 44, pleaded guilty to charges of criminal mischief, tampering with physical evidence, intimidating a participant in the legal process and tampering with a witness, as well as misdemeanor charges of failing to stop and render aid, falsely reporting an incident and official misconduct.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Kearney is facing several witness intimidation charges connected to the case.—
Kristina Rex,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
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Donaldson was acquitted of intimidation, strangulation and a misdemeanor interference with the reporting of the crime.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Perhaps more meaningfully, the message is the antithesis of a contrived political pitch or a hectoring sermon.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
26 Feb. 2026
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Dealing with the hectoring racket of New York fans may well have prepared him to withstand the noise of the Super Bowl.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arm-twisting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arm-twisting. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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