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

Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, shared a meme about the redistricting battle, comparing Texas Democrats leaving the state to Republicans leaving Washington to avoid a vote on legislation to compel the release of the Epstein files. —Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025

Five summers ago, we were told to wear masks, compelled to take vaccines, prohibited from looking at certain statues (which were helpfully torn down), and scolded for enjoying any movie or TV show that presented law enforcement officers empathetically or humanely. —Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025

Even those who defend empathy speak of it mainly as a private virtue, not one that compels any particular action by public figures. —Christi Parsons, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2025

Johnson, who published his first children's book Thursday, felt compelled to join the effort to encourage children to stand up for themselves against bullies after witnessing a negative influence on American youth in recent years. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025