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 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 The tricky double lane change is a serious test of the electric SUV’s handling and stability under duress. — IEEE Spectrum, 17 June 2026 Whether to add a new instrument to the arsenal is a decision the country can make deliberately today, or under duress later. — Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 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 dart to Odunze came with Williams flushing to his right away from pressure in the end zone and then putting a heater on his receiver, who had created separation against Jaylon Johnson.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Etzel said the executive order is also intended to put pressure on states that establish vaccine requirements for schools, while potentially setting up additional legal challenges over the federal government’s authority to influence vaccine policy.
    — Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of pressure
Noun
  • Joe Biden’s halt to on-shore oil drilling had zero impact on domestic oil prices, post-pandemic demand surges or global supply constraints, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine did.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Residents have voiced opposition against data centers in the city amid concerns over environmental impacts and resource constraints.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of constraint
Noun
  • Which is exactly why leaders should be suspicious of their own streaks, especially the ones that started out fun and are creeping toward compulsion.
    — Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Trying to understand that inner compulsion — not to name names — became the starting point.
    — John Bleasdale, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of compulsion
Noun
  • In Season 1, Sugar was hard-edged and assertive; the kind of private investigator who leads with intimidation and meets aggression with equal aggression.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In March 2026, Didulo’s and Manz’s charges for intimidation of a justice-system participant were shelved due to lack of evidence, though prosecutors have one year to refile.
    — Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of intimidation
Noun
  • They must be understood within a system of coercion designed to separate children from their families, communities and Ukrainian identity.
    — Thom Reilly, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Autonomy, in this light, is not simply the absence of coercion.
    — Sai Rajagopal, STAT, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of coercion

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Cite this Entry

“Duress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duress. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of duress for Spanish Speakers

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