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

When the drummer was compelled the leave the stage Thursday in Tulsa, there was some confusion during an approximate 25-minute break before the music resumed with Journey’s drum tech, Steve Toomey, taking over. — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

The Fifth Amendment generally protects government employees from having statements that are compelled under threat of losing their jobs used against them in a criminal prosecution. — Matt Peterson,luke Fountain, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

East of Eden probably came your way shortly thereafter, so what factors compelled you to leave home for New Zealand? — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

But the lack of political will to bring justice for their sister and other survivors compelled the Robertses to get involved in the political campaign. — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 5 Oct. 2026

That’s an intentional strategy to catch the eye of commuters who might be compelled, on a whim, to stop for a quick game or two. — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026

Vogt had been talking to a mental coach when convenient, but Alyssa’s input compelled him to request a weekly check-in. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Yet, C-suites are increasingly tempted (or worse, financially compelled) to govern purely by digital indicators. — David Farbman, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

These closures caused some staff to resign and compelled some Head Start families to withdraw their children from the program. — Alexander Thim, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026