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

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

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

Who knows if the real Chris Hansen felt compelled to articulate that notion on the way to celebrity. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2026

Travelers are compelled to show their documents to soldiers or regime officials manning the checkpoints. — Andrew Nachemson, The Dial, 22 Sep. 2026

But many in the party have felt compelled to embrace parts of his ideology. — Jack Herrera, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2026

Those on the inside were initially compelled to make fun of it. — Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026

This expensive experiment failed long ago, but the Browns felt compelled to double down again. — Zac Jackson, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026