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 war has also compelled US tech companies and Gulf countries to accelerate efforts to develop alternative cable routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 6 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

But why are some people compelled to harass delivery bots in the first place? — Jennifer Byrne, Popular Science, 4 Nov. 2026

The decision does not resolve whether Harvard discriminated or whether it can be compelled to provide applicant-level data on race, grades, test scores and admissions. — Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

To recover from the financial disaster, Twain was compelled to hit the lecture circuit, traveling the world and eventually earning enough to pay back all his debts. — Aaron Glantz, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Oct. 2026

Local authorities in the region have previously been compelled to switch off electronic advertising boards after pornographic footage was broadcast on the screens. — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

That has compelled Carrick to play Bryan Mbeumo through the middle, taking the Cameroon international away from his preferred right-sided role. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Reflecting on that experience, Collin said he feels compelled to speak publicly about what happened. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026