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

Nefarious actors have long been keen to fill the gap through what international law describes as coercion, deception and abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability. — Robert P. George, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2026

Many other women have come forward with allegations of rape, coercion, drugging and exploitation as well. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

Nearly a year later, Brazil’s courts convicted Eduardo of coercion and sentenced him to four years and two months in prison. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Other leaders seem resigned to the fact that this 80-year global experiment in cooperative international relations has ceded the floor once again to the world order of coercion that dictated most of human history. — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026