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

The word describes what happens when electrons are coerced to spin in tandem, as opposed to spinning in opposite directions, which is the default state of most electrons most of the time. —Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025

The Queen of the Dead then reappears as human Wanda in an attempt to coerce the teen into helping her. —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2025

The United States also developed measures to cajole and coerce other countries into remaining nonnuclear, including extending security assurances, supporting civilian scientific endeavors, and threatening to cut off military support and impose economic penalties on proliferating states. —Mariano-Florentino CuÉllar, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2025

Other charges dismissed as part of an April plea agreement included two counts of persuading or coercing a minor to engage in prostitution. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025