Synonyms of coerce

coerce

verb

kō-ˈərs 

as in to compel

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure

was coerced into signing the document

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compel
• force
• obligate
• oblige
• drive
• intimidate
• constrain
• blackmail
• pressure
• impel
• impress
• bully
• make
• muscle
• press
• browbeat
• sandbag
• dragoon
• blackjack
• threaten
• terrorize
• twist one's arm
• bulldoze
• drag
• harass
• cow
• hector
• menace
• shame
• high-pressure
• badger
• hound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• let
• allow
• permit
• induce
• convince
• move
• satisfy
• talk (into)
• argue
• persuade
• win (over)
• prevail (on or upon)

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

Recent Examples of coerce

However, opponents warned the most vulnerable in society, such as disabled and older people, could be at risk of being coerced directly or indirectly into ending their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members. —Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025

Officials said, in many of these cases, online predators used technology such as social platforms and gaming networks to coerce minors into sharing explicit content, often without meeting their victims in person. —Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025

Being high and coerced into this demeaning lifestyle. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 11 June 2025

In some cases, governments even coerce companies into accepting artificially low prices by threatening to violate their patents and allow other manufacturers to produce copycat drugs. —Rosa Mendoza, Boston Herald, 16 June 2025