Synonyms of compelled

compelled 1 of 2

adjective

as in forced

Related Words

• forced
• coerced
• unwilled
• nonvoluntary
• involuntary
• enforced
• will-less
• compulsory
• mandatory
• required
• necessary
• ordered
• obligatory
• nonelective

Dissimilar Words

• willing
• voluntary
• volunteer
• volitional
• optional
• discretionary
• uncoerced
• elective
• unforced
• self-imposed
• spontaneous
• instinctive
• freewill
• impulsive
• unpremeditated

compelled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of compel

as in obliged

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure

public opinion compelled her to fire her scandal-plagued aide

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forced
• obliged
• obligated
• coerced
• drove
• pressured
• impelled
• constrained
• pressed
• intimidated
• impressed
• blackmailed
• dragooned
• made
• bullied
• muscled
• sandbagged
• blackjacked
• threatened
• cowed
• hectored
• browbeat
• dragged
• shamed
• badgered
• twisted one's arm
• menaced
• terrorized
• bulldozed
• harassed
• hounded
• high-pressured

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• let
• allowed
• permitted
• convinced
• moved
• induced
• satisfied
• argued
• won (over)
• persuaded
• talked (into)
• prevailed (on or upon)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of compelled

Adjective

The second argument made by the DOJ was a First Amendment argument, specifically what is called compelled speech. — Stefani Langehennig, The Conversation, 9 July 2026

True personal data sovereignty requires systems that make compelled access technically impossible, not merely contractually discouraged. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026

Verb

The government was also compelled to conduct a fresh cultural and environmental impact assessment as well as public participation. — Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 31 July 2026

The Eagles could live with four at this spot, though, and I might be compelled to go with an extra cornerback or wide receiver rather than a fifth linebacker who could clear waivers. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 31 July 2026

As several of her peers engaged with adaptive sports for the first time, Hwang felt compelled to give them a try herself. — Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Conversely, El-Sayed's messaging against the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and refusal of corporate PAC money has compelled voters. — Christina Zhang, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Capital expenditures are still up significantly from a year ago and are expected to increase again in fiscal 2027, but the company doesn't appear compelled to raise its spending outlook every quarter even as demand exceeds supply. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 30 July 2026

Interrogations into rabbit vampirism aside, Bunnicula compelled me most because its narrator is a dog—one who, despite his aptitude for writing, cannot otherwise communicate with people. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Any of us can be compromised and compelled to act against our own interest. — Will Cady, SPIN, 30 July 2026

Leon Festinger’s research on cognitive dissonance showed that people are compelled to align their beliefs and actions. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026