COERCIVE Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

coercive

adjective

Definition of coercive

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 Terms like coercive control and male entitlement now circulate far beyond academic settings. — Kate Casey, Vanity Fair, 2 June 2026 The United States sees an opportunity to strengthen European energy security, deepen ties with Central Asia, add another vector to pressure Iran from the north, and reduce the coercive power Moscow derives from frozen conflicts and energy dependence. — Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 But researchers have asserted that prison labor will always be inherently coercive. — Julia Bowling, The Conversation, 29 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for coercive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coercive

Adjective

In his inital letter, Lehmkuhl agreed that there is an urgent need to clear debris and address the persistent odor of millions of pounds of rotting food at the site.

— Jasmine Mendez Follow, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Though effective medication exists, the issue is persistent in areas with a lack of easy access to testing, treatment and clean water so people don't rely on local bodies of water for drinking and bathing.

— William McCarthy, NPR, 4 July 2026

Definition of persistent

Adjective

For England, the most pressing question was how to neutralize Messi, the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 21 goals over six World Cups.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
While urgent care clinics are meant for patients who need immediate medical attention, a significant number of young adults choose to use their services for issues that are less pressing.

— Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Definition of pressing

Browse Nearby Words

coercions

coercive

coetaneous

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Coercive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coercive. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of coercive

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on coercive

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

obdurate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes