as in persistent
formal
using force or threats to make someone do something; using coercion
coercive measures
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 coercive
As San Jose moves toward a more coercive approach for homeless residents who repeatedly refuse shelter, the debate over enforcement will remain central at City Hall.
—
Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
In the 1760s, several situations arose involving ordinary people navigating coercive authority that restricted mobility and autonomy.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
On March 23, 20 states and the District of Columbia sued the USDA to block the new terms for receiving federal funding, which the states characterized as coercive.
—Chiara Eisner, NPR, 17 May 2026
But, increasingly, the coercive diplomatic tactics have not worked, and a pressure paradox has emerged.
—Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for coercive
Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
In the 1760s, several situations arose involving ordinary people navigating coercive authority that restricted mobility and autonomy.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
On March 23, 20 states and the District of Columbia sued the USDA to block the new terms for receiving federal funding, which the states characterized as coercive.
—Chiara Eisner, NPR, 17 May 2026
But, increasingly, the coercive diplomatic tactics have not worked, and a pressure paradox has emerged.
—Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for coercive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coercive
Adjective
-
Similarly, securing funding for marine conservation remains a persistent challenge.—
Ana K. Spalding,
The Conversation,
16 June 2026
-
Class 1 and Class 2 drones have emerged as some of the most persistent threats on contemporary battlefields.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
The YouTube livestream broke down the latest Emmy predictions, awards buzz and potential voter favorites amid Emmy nominations voting June 11-22, while also giving viewers the chance to ask their most pressing questions via Instagram and a live chat box.—
Naomi Jeffries,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2026
-
This is one of the most pressing questions in obesity medicine right now.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Coercive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coercive. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
