duress

noun

du̇-ˈres How to pronounce duress (audio)
Definition of duressnext
as in pressure
the use of power to impose one's will on another complied with the order only under duress

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of duress The two positions that will be under most duress against Freeman could be TCU’s nickel and free safety positions. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2026 Falcons pass rush heating up Huntley The Falcons have four sacks and eight quarterback hits on Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley, who's been under duress a majority of the night. — AJC.com, 12 Oct. 2026 In the previous decades, Japan had brought in many Korean, Chinese, and Taiwanese laborers, often under duress, to work in factories and mines, usually in atrocious conditions. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 Let’s be like Ilya at the keyboard, picking out a tune even in a moment of duress. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for duress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duress
  1. pressure
  2. constraint
  3. compulsion
  4. intimidation
  5. coercion
Noun
  • France braces for a nationwide general strike French authorities were braced for a nationwide general strike over public services and cost-of-living concerns, demonstrations that showcase growing pressure on Europe’s social-welfare model.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The unit finished strong, and the run game production helped elevate the appearance of the group, but penalties and quarterback pressure limited what this grade could have been.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of pressure
Noun
  • Trump, frustrated by domestic constraints, could use more force against Iran to try to secure his legacy.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Beijing treats 70% import dependence as an implicit red line – which puts copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel, bauxite and iron ore under a hard national security constraint to expand supply abroad, Wang said.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of constraint
Noun
  • The concern is when seeking reassurance becomes a compulsion—a behavior someone feels driven to repeat to relieve their distress.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Prediction markets then capitalize on the digital environments that profit from young people’s compulsions.
    — Amy L. Kennedy, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of compulsion
Noun
  • More problematic is the long history of alleged involvement of deputy gangs in violence, intimidation and other potentially criminal behavior.
    — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Democrats fear interference and voter intimidation as his Justice Department threatens to prosecute local election officials.
    — Jill Colvin, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of intimidation
Noun
  • These countries should build a formal economic security alliance that establishes collective defense against economic coercion.
    — THEODORE BUNZEL, Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 2026
  • These policies raise serious questions about religious coercion, gender equality and freedom of conscience.
    — Asma Uddin, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of coercion

Browse Nearby Words

durations
duress
duresses
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Cite this Entry

“Duress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duress. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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