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

Some couples feel more compelled to be physically affectionate on vacation or during special times. — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

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 shame should be obvious, too, but a white person from Mississippi is compelled to express it. — Claire Howorth, Vanity Fair, 13 Nov. 2026

Director Teng, who felt compelled to make the film after hearing orthopaedic surgeon Perlmutter talk about his experiences of working in Gaza, also voiced her distress at the news. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2026

But there’s a difference between liking an idea and feeling compelled to solve a problem. — Mary Minno, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026

This revelation has compelled some biologists, who by definition study life forms that evolved after LUCA, to shift their target to the life forms, quasi-life forms, and lifelike processes that may have existed before LUCA. — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 12 Nov. 2026

Whether they can be compelled to provide medical care for their children is another matter, one that’s been left to states to decide. — Noelle Crombie, ProPublica, 11 Nov. 2026

For this reason, I am compelled to follow my conscience and, as authorized by our constitution, take this action for the welfare of the State of California. — Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026

The guitar had been sold for a time, but Labat bought it back and was compelled to build an album around it. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2026

Maybe the running back is compelled to chip Nik Bonitto on the edge instead of Allen inside. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2026