as in persistent
formal
using force or threats to make someone do something; using coercion
coercive measures
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Recent Examples of coercive
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
The difference between a genuinely pro-family agenda and a coercive one lies in the underlying assumptions and motivations.
—Sonya Borrero, STAT, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for coercive
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
The difference between a genuinely pro-family agenda and a coercive one lies in the underlying assumptions and motivations.
—Sonya Borrero, STAT, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for coercive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coercive
Adjective
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Its persistent activity and explosive potential earn it a place among the world’s most dangerous volcanoes.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
9 June 2026
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However, for options traders who had been leaning bearish recently, the persistent put-buying in the face of deep selling is a sign some of the sector's biggest cheerleaders are looking elsewhere.—
Oliver Renick,
CNBC,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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This is one of the most pressing questions in obesity medicine right now.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
11 June 2026
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Lizzo’s assistant is piling suitcases in the entryway of the musician’s home in Los Angeles when suddenly her boss reassigns her to a more pressing task.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Coercive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coercive. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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