Synonyms of compel

compel

verb

kəm-ˈpel 

as in to coerce

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure

public opinion compelled her to fire her scandal-plagued aide

Synonyms & Similar Words

• coerce
• force
• obligate
• oblige
• drive
• impel
• constrain
• intimidate
• impress
• make
• pressure
• blackmail
• press
• bully
• muscle
• dragoon
• threaten
• sandbag
• browbeat
• blackjack
• twist one's arm
• terrorize
• drag
• bulldoze
• hector
• harass
• shame
• cow
• menace
• badger
• high-pressure
• hound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• let
• allow
• permit
• induce
• move
• convince
• satisfy
• argue
• persuade
• talk (into)
• win (over)
• prevail (on or upon)

Synonym Chooser

How is the word compel different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of compel are coerce, constrain, force, and oblige. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

When might coerce be a better fit than compel?

Although the words coerce and compel have much in common, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

When is it sensible to use constrain instead of compel?

While the synonyms constrain and compel are close in meaning, constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

When could force be used to replace compel?

In some situations, the words force and compel are roughly equivalent. However, force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.

forced to flee for their lives

When is oblige a more appropriate choice than compel?

The words oblige and compel can be used in similar contexts, but oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.

felt obliged to go

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of compel

In a world increasingly defined by individualism and speed, sport remains one of the rare forces that compels people to pause, gather, and share in moments that transcend borders and generations. —Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

Conservatives say a work requirement for healthy enrollees would compel people to seek employment and potentially secure health insurance through the workplace, saving taxpayers money. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 7 May 2025

Younger by a decade than the candidates considered frontrunners, Jerusalem’s first-ever cardinal has nevertheless emerged as an intriguing possibility, thrust into the spotlight by the same war in Gaza that has compelled him to confront difficult questions about faith and humanity. —Noga Tarnopolsky, CNN Money, 6 May 2025

Image President Trump’s back-and-forth on tariffs, the blunting of American diplomacy and the dismantling of the agency for American aid — and with it hundreds of programs in Asia — feels like yet another withdrawal, and one that was not even compelled by military force. —Hannah Beech, New York Times, 1 May 2025