Synonyms of coercion

coercion

noun

kō-ˈər-zhən 

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

• pressure
• constraint
• compulsion
• intimidation
• violence
• duress
• force
• threat
• arm-twisting
• fear
• stress
• terrorism
• bullying
• terror
• menace
• sword
• strength
• browbeating
• muscle
• squeeze
• bulldozing
• potency
• willfulness
• might
• squeeze play
• self-will
• strain
• hardheadedness
• puissance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• consent
• agreement
• approval
• permission
• reason
• persuasion
• suasion
• convincing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of coercion

These policies raise serious questions about religious coercion, gender equality and freedom of conscience. — Asma Uddin, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026

The investigation also found that men from 29 countries were recruited through deception or coercion to fight for Russian forces, in violation of international law. — Edith M. Lederer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Tehran fears that surrendering its maritime leverage first would invite fresh demands; Washington worries that easing pressure would reward coercion without securing lasting constraints on Iran’s nuclear program. — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

The idea that the absence of private property and systematic inequality automatically removes coercion—which forms the core of the Marxist theory of history—is not proven. — Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026