COERCION Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

coercion

noun

kō-ˈər-zhən

Definition of coercion

as in pressure

the use of power to impose one's will on another a promise obtained by coercion is never binding

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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 Iceland, which has a robust coast guard but no army or defense ministry of its own, finds itself in an interesting position in a world of great power coercion. — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 As a trade alliance, TABLE must set up physical and digital value chains that are immune to coercion. — Wal Van Lierop, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 As long as allergies, medical excuses, dietary concerns and even preferences are politely stated and not made the focus of the event, reasonable accommodations should be made without fear of coercion or bullying. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026 Mark Carney drew international attention as Canada’s prime minister by warning that middle powers must resist economic coercion by more powerful countries. — Rob Gillies, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coercion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coercion

Noun

Tan pointed to elevated rental, labor and energy costs as pressures on restaurant profitability.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
Flagg came into the league able to handle physicality and pressure.

— Victor Wembanyama, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of pressure

Noun

Cities face tighter power constraints Urban regulations can significantly reduce the number of locations available for large energy projects.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
That agreement remains unimplemented due to what the government has termed budgetary constraints.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of constraint

Noun

When courts do the regulating Given this legislative lethargy, state attorneys general sometimes step in to protect the public from companies that exploit compulsion-inducing products.

— Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026
But per the Black List, the story follows an antisocial man suffering from obsessive compulsions who is haunted by the death of his hoarder mother.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of compulsion

Noun

But Rybakina showed no intimidation, quickly coming through with a decisive break to clinch the victory after Gauff sent her overhead shot out of bounds, much to the shock of those there to root on the American.

— Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
Maryland leaders must make clear that brutality and lawless intimidation will not be tolerated.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of intimidation

Noun

Because colonial powers have always feared the child who survives its violence and continues to imagine a sky beyond its rule.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
North Carolina Democrats in the state’s House of Representatives cut all ties with one of their candidates running for the state legislature after her past social media posts about violence against Republicans came to light.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of violence

Browse Nearby Words

coercing

coercion

coercions

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Style

“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coercion. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of coercion

noun

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