as in constraints
the use of power to impose one's will on another
in that class I read books under compulsion that I ordinarily wouldn't have considered
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Recent Examples of compulsions
Castro’s talent lies in meticulously creating a realistic—and entertaining—portrait of one man’s compulsions, bringing individual texture to a curious social phenomenon.
—
Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
Political compulsions could lead to measures that expand the country's fiscal deficit, further raising borrowing costs.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
The fact is, many of us will have sudden urges and compulsions today.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025
Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
Political compulsions could lead to measures that expand the country's fiscal deficit, further raising borrowing costs.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
The fact is, many of us will have sudden urges and compulsions today.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsions
Noun
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The license fee is supposed to free the BBC from commercial constraints faced by other outlets, which drive many to tailor their output to the political persuasion of their audiences.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
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But even given their current constraints, e-mail apps might still evolve past Cora and its ilk.—
Cal Newport,
New Yorker,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Bain’s 44 total pressures generated entering Saturday according to Pro Football Focus ranks fourth nationally and behind only Texas Tech’s David Bailey (58) among players from power conference schools.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
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Beyond the impact of tariffs, consumers are coping with cost-of-living pressures and inflation.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Compulsions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsions. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.
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