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 Government workers may not use their positions or public resources to influence elections, coerce individual behavior or engage in political advocacy. Stephanie A, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025 With little progress, Trump is now considering how to coerce the Kremlin into ending its invasion of Ukraine. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 Ronshausen later said Andrade coerced her into giving him information and misrepresented Uthmeier’s involvement. Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025 It’s coerced by the culture that raised them. Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez, Time, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coerce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coerce
Verb
  • Rivera, who left Mexico at 18, is one of a growing number of people compelled to self-deport out of fear of arrest and detention.
    Laura Romero, ABC News, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Her lawyers say that the gravity of the allegations against her have compelled her to seek asylum.
    Aida Alami, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Tunnels story is that Chinese immigrants built a network of tunnels under the city because they were forced to live underground; the tunnels were then used by gangsters and bootleggers, including Al Capone.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Delta said the disruption forced it to cancel more than 5,000 flights and cost it more than $500 million in revenue and compensation for passengers, among other expenses.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Marcus Performing Arts Center's parking structure needs major repairs to stay open — and center executives say the City of Milwaukee is legally obligated to help pay for that work.
    JR Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Taxpayers were obligated to pay taxes due on April 15, 2025, to avoid penalties and interest.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Al Horford all sitting out of the Warriors’ preseason game against the Lakers, Golden State needed a dynamic scorer, and Kuminga obliged.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Palestinians are fully entitled to secure their fundamental right of self-determination, and all States remain obliged, more than ever, to assist them in their lawful & legitimate cause.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coerce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coerce. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on coerce

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