Synonym Chooser

How is the word coerce different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of coerce are compel, constrain, force, and oblige. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," 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 coerce?

The meanings of compel and coerce largely overlap; however, 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 coerce?

The words constrain and coerce can be used in similar contexts, but constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

In what contexts can force take the place of coerce?

While in some cases nearly identical to coerce, 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

When might oblige be a better fit than coerce?

While the synonyms oblige and coerce are close in meaning, 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 coerce Ivorian law enforcement arrested Alfred Kassi, Oumarou Ouedraogo, Moussa Diaby and Oumar Cisse on criminal charges relating to the sextortion scheme, which involved people being threatened and coerced into sending explicit images online, the Justice Department announced last week. Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025 They are accused of coercing or participating in the production of CSAM and facilitating the grooming ane extortion of minors. Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2025 Gaslighting is a form of emotional and psychological manipulation in which one person attempts to coerce another person into doubting their own accurate observations, perspectives, and experiences. Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 But tariffs have also evolved into a tool deployed by the White House to coerce foreign governments to comply with its broader agenda. Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coerce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coerce
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
  • Some have succeeded in slashing sales and forcing policy changes.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Fans are forced to watch that terrifying accident all over again — knowing exactly what's about to happen.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Tesla ends up below $200: You’ll be obligated to buy 100 shares at $200.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Under Reed’s contract, the district appears obligated to pay her about $32,000 or $800 a day from her February hiring date to June 30, the contract termination date.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Huawei’s networks carry valuable data, which the company is obliged under Chinese intelligence laws to provide at the government’s request.
    Anne Neuberger, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2025
  • The United States doesn't formally recognize Taiwan's statehood but is obliged to supply the island with defensive arms under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coerce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coerce. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on coerce

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