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
Despite those pressures, Ali cautioned that Iran’s coercive institutions remain loyal.
—
Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Behavioral psychology calls this coercive control, maintaining dominance through unpredictability, dependency, and psychological pressure rather than overt force.
—Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026
As a pattern of intimidation, isolation, humiliation and controlling behavior, coercive control can be as damaging as physical abuse.
—Oona Metz, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
If the regime’s coercive structures were truly dismantled, Venezuela’s diaspora could play a transformative role in rebuilding their country.
—Richard Kiy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for coercive
Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Behavioral psychology calls this coercive control, maintaining dominance through unpredictability, dependency, and psychological pressure rather than overt force.
—Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026
As a pattern of intimidation, isolation, humiliation and controlling behavior, coercive control can be as damaging as physical abuse.
—Oona Metz, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
If the regime’s coercive structures were truly dismantled, Venezuela’s diaspora could play a transformative role in rebuilding their country.
—Richard Kiy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for coercive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coercive
Adjective
-
The polar vortex is a persistent, large-scale cyclone that circles the Arctic and contains extremely cold air.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
3 Feb. 2026
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How must Yves Bissouma, who was left out of the squad for August’s UEFA Super Cup penalty shootout defeat to Paris-Saint Germain due to persistent lateness, feel watching his team-mate avoid facing the consequences?—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Economic concerns in Africa are more pressing for women than men, Gallup found.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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Martinez has been leading the organization's efforts to knock on doors across Texas in efforts to identify the most pressing issues for voters ahead of rolling out endorsements in congressional races.—
Fin Daniel Gómez,
CBS News,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Coercive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coercive. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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