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 They must be understood within a system of coercion designed to separate children from their families, communities and Ukrainian identity. — Thom Reilly, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026 Autonomy, in this light, is not simply the absence of coercion. — Sai Rajagopal, STAT, 4 Aug. 2026 Beijing has a history of using economic coercion, like cutting off rare-earth exports or restricting market access, as a tool of foreign policy. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 The decision must be voluntary, informed, and free of coercion. — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for coercion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coercion

Noun

The pressure to win silverware might be off, but this summer is when Villa are entering into more unknowns than ever before under Emery.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Prices of the precious commodity have swung dramatically from one season to the next, particularly as issues such as climate change, water scarcity and pest and disease pressures persist.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of pressure

Noun

The comedian has built her career by wringing laughs out of a compulsion to share her own worst thoughts about her body, life, and career through the lens of a glamorous cabaret diva.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
The administration is right that trust matters more than compulsion alone.

— Katrine Wallace, STAT, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of compulsion

Noun

Once apprehended, the suspect will face charges including terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, reckless endangerment and intimidation, Smith previously told reporters.

— Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Smith said once caught, the suspect will face charges of making terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, reckless endangerment and intimidation.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of intimidation

Noun

By retracing Berezovska’s footsteps, finding witnesses and hearing from one of the men accused of killing her, CNN has uncovered a tale of violence, strange twists and unanswered questions.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Lúcia added the Maria da Penha law needed updating because violence against women in Brazil is also a matter of power and as many femicides take place out of women’s homes in situations that are reported to police but ignored.

— Mauricio Savarese, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of violence

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coercing

coercion

coercions

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“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coercion. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of coercion

noun

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