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 This is a federal regulator who is using the power of government to coerce, both Nexstar and ABC, to take Jimmy Kimmel down off the air. Kendall Wright, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2025 An investigation was launched after victims at Fieldstone Middle School reported to their school resource officer and school administrators that they were being coerced online. Nancy Cutler, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025 While China often threatens and coerces other countries, such as in disputes with South Korea and Australia, its actions are often triggered by events that China feels directly threaten its core interests. David C. Kang, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2025 In a case before the Supreme Court last year, the justices unanimously found that the gun group’s First Amendment rights were violated when New York state officials coerced private companies into blacklisting it. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coerce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coerce
Verb
  • The hostility escalated to such a degree that the PGA of America was compelled to increase security around the group.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
  • In a statement shared with The Guardian, a spokesperson for Ferguson said the duchess felt compelled to send the email after Epstein allegedly threatened to sue her for defamation over her comments to the Standard.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The event comes as the government is careening toward a potential shutdown that could force some 2 million troops to work without pay if a spending bill doesn't pass Congress by midnight Wednesday.
    Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Modern inkjets, including ink tank printers, will rarely force you to spend time cleaning with manual commands.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In this case, October benefits are obligated in September.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • One is filing a complaint with the DOT, which it is obligated to investigate (at least, for now).
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The bulk of the crowd fell quiet as those closest to the sign obliged.
    Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Investors who obtain the visa aren’t obliged to reside in Greece.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coerce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coerce. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on coerce

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