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 Tunick’s lawyers have filed a motion with the court asking that all evidence from the interrogation, including the use of the duress code, be suppressed due to violation of his constitutional rights. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2026 Indianapolis can’t afford for Jones to constantly be under duress from his blindside, so Raimann must be a pillar of consistent protection, or else Indy’s whole offense will crumble. — James Boyd, New York Times, 23 July 2026 The Washington Principles also recognize that many sales of artwork by Jews during the Nazi era occurred while they were being persecuted, or under duress. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026 The lawsuit says Meta is seeking $50,000 in damages for each time Wynn-Williams purportedly violates the non-disparagement agreement, putting her under financial duress. — ABC News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for duress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duress
  1. pressure
  2. constraint
  3. compulsion
  4. intimidation
  5. coercion
Noun
  • The Sun quincunxes Pluto, highlighting where careful effort meets control issues, hidden pressure, or shifting priorities.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The project uses horror and darkly comic genre elements to approach the psychological pressures of motherhood, extending Urban’s interest in personal experience as a route into broader social and political terrain.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of pressure
Noun
  • Facing supply constraints, automakers manufactured more expensive and higher-margin vehicles.
    — Robert Ferris, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Which time-share back has the best chance to break free of his constraints?
    — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of constraint
Noun
  • The comedian has built her career by wringing laughs out of a compulsion to share her own worst thoughts about her body, life, and career through the lens of a glamorous cabaret diva.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The administration is right that trust matters more than compulsion alone.
    — Katrine Wallace, STAT, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of compulsion
Noun
  • Once apprehended, the suspect will face charges including terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, reckless endangerment and intimidation, Smith previously told reporters.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Smith said once caught, the suspect will face charges of making terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, reckless endangerment and intimidation.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of intimidation
Noun
  • In every interview, responders described legal coercion that followed them well beyond the clinical relationship — from confusion about how an order ends to collateral harm to employment, housing, custody proceedings, and immigration status.
    — Sakeena Trice, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Russia’s frequent weaponization of natural gas had shown how coercion would incentivize target countries to diversify over the long-term.
    — GLORIA XIONG, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of coercion

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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 26 Aug. 2026.

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