as in pressure
the use of power to impose one's will on another
a promise obtained by coercion is never binding
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 coercion
In one of her final chapters, Johnson observes how recent horror films such as The First Omen and Immaculate have revisited reproductive-coercion stories through a post-Roe lens.
—
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025
Both Beijing and Washington are trading accusations that the other side's economic coercion is wreaking havoc on the global economy.
—Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 29 Oct. 2025
Adopting China’s position in this way would be a blunder, diminishing Taiwan’s resolve to resist Chinese aggression and coercion.
—Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force said Tokyo and New Delhi are deepening their multi-layered cooperation as part of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, referring to bilateral ties that seek a free, open, peaceful, prosperous and coercion-free Indo-Pacific.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coercion
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025
Both Beijing and Washington are trading accusations that the other side's economic coercion is wreaking havoc on the global economy.
—Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 29 Oct. 2025
Adopting China’s position in this way would be a blunder, diminishing Taiwan’s resolve to resist Chinese aggression and coercion.
—Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force said Tokyo and New Delhi are deepening their multi-layered cooperation as part of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, referring to bilateral ties that seek a free, open, peaceful, prosperous and coercion-free Indo-Pacific.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coercion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coercion
Noun
-
Auburn committed 26 against Texas' full- and half-court pressure with the Longhorns turning them into 40 points.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Polymer packaging requires injection molding, which normally uses high pressure.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
China’s true constraints Beijing has not refrained from action against Taiwan out of deference to international law and norms.—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
-
That work—integrating hardware, software, sensors, safety systems, and real-world constraints—remains enormously difficult, slow, and capital-intensive.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Court records show Sophie was charged with two counts of burglary, criminal trespassing, simple assault and rape forcible compulsion.—
Mike Stunson,
Miami Herald,
30 Oct. 2025
-
But now, having reined in his recklessness and compulsion to constantly create and force plays, the Patriots have developed an elite prospect into a promising pro passer.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In recent years Beijing has ramped up its military intimidation of Taiwan, including by simulating blockades.—
Steven Jiang,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Those groups have been active in the streets, detaining opponents and reinforcing regime authority through intimidation.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Cruz and other Republicans argued the decision minimized the gravity of an attack on the judiciary and could encourage future political violence.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The numbers mark a sharp reversal from a spike in violence during the worst years of the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coercion. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share