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
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Recent Examples of coercion
In one of her final chapters, Johnson observes how recent horror films such as The First Omen and Immaculate have revisited reproductive-coercion stories through a post-Roe lens.
—
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025
Both Beijing and Washington are trading accusations that the other side's economic coercion is wreaking havoc on the global economy.
—Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 29 Oct. 2025
Adopting China’s position in this way would be a blunder, diminishing Taiwan’s resolve to resist Chinese aggression and coercion.
—Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force said Tokyo and New Delhi are deepening their multi-layered cooperation as part of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, referring to bilateral ties that seek a free, open, peaceful, prosperous and coercion-free Indo-Pacific.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coercion
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025
Both Beijing and Washington are trading accusations that the other side's economic coercion is wreaking havoc on the global economy.
—Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 29 Oct. 2025
Adopting China’s position in this way would be a blunder, diminishing Taiwan’s resolve to resist Chinese aggression and coercion.
—Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force said Tokyo and New Delhi are deepening their multi-layered cooperation as part of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, referring to bilateral ties that seek a free, open, peaceful, prosperous and coercion-free Indo-Pacific.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coercion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coercion
Noun
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For those who do know him, the optics are less about political pressure and more about simple, unadulterated pride.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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Mexico enters the 2026 World Cup with the excitement and pressure of co-hosting the tournament, eager to finally break its long-standing barrier of reaching the Round of 16.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The study also provides a previously unidentified constraint for models of tidal heat production, shell thickness, and the long-term evolution of Enceladus’ ocean.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
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After weeks of back-and-forth about the availability, Angels team president John Carpino will no longer be called as a witness by Skaggs’ attorneys due to time constraints, as the trial hits the mark this week.—
Sam Blum,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Court records show Sophie was charged with two counts of burglary, criminal trespassing, simple assault and rape forcible compulsion.—
Mike Stunson,
Miami Herald,
30 Oct. 2025
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But now, having reined in his recklessness and compulsion to constantly create and force plays, the Patriots have developed an elite prospect into a promising pro passer.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Jason Harrell, 46, agreed to plead guilty to two felony counts of intimidation, one misdemeanor count of intimidation, and two counts of battery.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
6 Nov. 2025
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There is no place for intimidation or ego tripping disguised as ‘leadership,’ or for using titles and stages to instill fear and shame instead of empower.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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According to a 2023 report from Human Rights Watch, millions of Bangladeshis faced political persecution during Hasina’s tenure, including arrests, prosecution, and violence.—
MUHIB RAHMAN,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
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This attack is the latest in a surge of settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, which have been taking place on a near-daily basis since mid-October.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coercion. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
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