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 Audience capture operates through reinforcement rather than coercion. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026 Their rule in Yemen has inflicted suffering on people through corruption, coercion, aid diversion, and war. — Jason D. Greenblatt, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026 Opponents have branded the bill unsafe and unworkable, citing concerns around potential coercion of vulnerable people and a lack of safeguards for those with disabilities. — ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026 Lawmakers, medical colleges and religious leaders raised concerns over coercion, disability rights and uncertain prognoses, while supporters warned the defeat leaves dying patients traveling abroad for assistance under the current law. — Pan Pylas, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coercion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coercion

Noun

That ratio is expected to fall to around two by 2050, putting further pressure on growth and public finances, including healthcare systems, according to Moody’s.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
In the early 2000s, the city authorities stopped the culling of baboon troops in response to public pressure, but that has since swollen the population by a third – to around 500.

— Will Barker, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of pressure

Noun

Stratolaunch said the additional capacity will help reduce scheduling constraints and support a higher flight cadence.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
Mamdani and Chow swapped notes on dealing with the constraints placed on them by their state and provincial governors, and on their respective battles over renters’ rights and the high costs of living in their cities.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of constraint

Noun

Still, from early on, Brigitte understood the compulsion as evidence of her mother’s resolve.

— Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
Long before the serial killings, Puente publicly claimed to have adopted them — revealing her desperate need for attention and a compulsion to lie.

— Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of compulsion

Noun

But there are several other federal and state statutes barring voter intimidation that could apply.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
The framework says support for Israel need not mean endorsing every government decision, and calls on Israel to act against settler intimidation and violence.

— Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of intimidation

Browse Nearby Words

coercing

coercion

coercions

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“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coercion. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of coercion

noun

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