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

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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 His afternoon ended under duress, as star pass rusher Maxx Crosby induced a hold from right tackle Joe Alt in the end zone on Los Angeles’ final drive, resulting in the aforementioned safety. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2026 On 3rd and 5 from West Virginia’s own 38-yard-line, Hawkins dropped back under duress and chucked it up towards the left sideline. — Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2026 Jensen said some residents have begun exploring their legal options, citing both the emotional duress of hearing constant screams and also a fear of potentially lower property values. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Records show it was sold without any apparent signs of duress by dealer Raphaël Gérard to the Abels gallery, which had been active in France during the war, and then it was acquired by an individual in Germany. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for duress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duress
  1. pressure
  2. constraint
  3. compulsion
  4. intimidation
  5. coercion
Noun
  • Parallax credits a young female audience with growing clout for proving that films about gender roles, relationships and social pressure can pull in big numbers.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Much of that unease stems from mounting costs, and the pressure is being felt across the supply chain.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of pressure
Noun
  • Many have been feeling the squeeze as costs for inputs like diesel, fertilizer and seed have soared thanks to refinery constraints and supply disruptions amid the Iran war.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • In California, municipal utilities face constraints in raising rates under Proposition 218, a ballot initiative passed in 1996 that says fees must reflect the costs of providing service.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of constraint
Noun
  • The interior drew its own grim commentary—a few guests expressed feeling a sudden compulsion to jump from the top of the spiral ramp to their death.
    — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Under state law, lack of consent generally must be shown through forcible compulsion or a clear expression of nonconsent.
    — Ilana Turko, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of compulsion
Noun
  • Terrorist organizations also frequently use public executions as a means of intimidation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Other federal laws, which more broadly prohibit any intimidation of, or interference with, voters may also be applied to keep armed officials from appearing at polling places.
    — Danielle Friedman, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of intimidation
Noun
  • Seward envisioned a North American union created through free choice, not coercion or conquest.
    — Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Many other women have come forward with allegations of rape, coercion, drugging and exploitation as well.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of coercion

Browse Nearby Words

durations
duress
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Cite this Entry

“Duress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duress. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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