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

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