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 His attorneys have argued his confession was coerced, a product of police misconduct. Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025 One of the former detectives Dillard accused of helping harass and coerce a witness into testifying was among the Wolverines. Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 3 July 2025 Attorneys opened their cases on Tuesday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building before the former student, now 26, testified for hours, telling jurors that Crowder engaged her in a relationship and then coerced her into having two abortions. Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025 In the end, the evidence came down to how coerced the female victims were. Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for coerce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coerce
Verb
  • That compels people to shell out somewhere between $2,500 and $3,000 for courtside seats for a summer league game, as people did Thursday.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • So she still feels compelled to speak up for these fellow children of God.
    Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Blurry Vision High sugar levels force the body to pull fluid from your tissues, including the lenses of your eyes.
    Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
  • These high taxes explain why Tesla was forced to set its prices so high in India, despite the country’s preference for EVs at much lower price ranges.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Legal experts warn that compliance may violate the Fair Housing Act and that landlords are not legally obligated to respond without judicial oversight.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • However, a driver is not legally obligated to submit to a field sobriety test, pre-arrest test or cheek swab at a DUI checkpoint, according to the Law Offices of Grech and Parker in Riverside. Field sobriety tests are subjective and may not accurately measure sobriety, according to Bee archives.
    Sarah Linn July 11, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Clark the Cub obliged and threw the ball back to Kamara.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
  • Many pet owners love to pamper and praise their animal companions, and there are small business owners who are quick to oblige.
    Erin Federigan, Mercury News, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coerce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coerce. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on coerce

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