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

Ahead of the hearing, Lopez’s attorneys, who filed a motion to compel the release of evidence, and Statewide Prosecutor Panagiota Papakos agreed to coordinate meetings at the agencies holding the material. —Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026

Another key provision in the bill would compel FSSA to seek permission from the federal government to implement a cost limit per individual on the Pathways waiver, capped at the amount their care would cost at a nursing home. —Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 3 Feb. 2026

Congress voted in November 2025 to compel the Department of Justice to release documents related to the Epstein investigation. —Denny Alfonso, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

At the same time, China has been trading sharp diplomatic warnings with Japan after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would compel a military response from Tokyo, further underscoring how the issue is drawing in multiple regional and global powers. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026