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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Carmel city councilors are pushing back against plans from the city to move some public meetings to daytime hours at City Hall, Mayor Sue Finkam's latest proposal to cut down on costs amid budget constraints caused by the state's property tax reforms.—
Jake Allen,
IndyStar,
14 Oct. 2025
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OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has inked a number of blockbuster deals this year, aiming to ease constraints on computing power.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Miami recorded 42 total pressures and 36 quarterback hurries on 88 snaps, per Pro Football Focus — nearly one every two dropbacks.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 Oct. 2025
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The strain and pressures directors are experiencing in the boardroom mirror the broader societal and systemic forces shaping today’s environment.—
Lara Abrash,
Fortune,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Compulsions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsions. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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