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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 language carries a reminder that many people experience risk and precarity only under duress. — Brian Laidlaw, Longreads, 1 Sep. 2026 This deal was clearly arrived at in secrecy, with no public debate, and signed under duress. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 Indeed, history is replete with governments reneging on oil deals, especially those that would seem to have been signed under duress. — Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 More recently, in February 2024, The New Yorker profiled an American academic, Elizabeth Hoover, who had claimed Mohawk and Mi’kmaq descent and apologized for it under duress but continues to teach. — Tommy Orange, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for duress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duress
  1. pressure
  2. constraint
  3. compulsion
  4. intimidation
  5. coercion
Noun
  • Tan pointed to elevated rental, labor and energy costs as pressures on restaurant profitability.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Flagg came into the league able to handle physicality and pressure.
    — Victor Wembanyama, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of pressure
Noun
  • Cities face tighter power constraints Urban regulations can significantly reduce the number of locations available for large energy projects.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
  • That agreement remains unimplemented due to what the government has termed budgetary constraints.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of constraint
Noun
  • When courts do the regulating Given this legislative lethargy, state attorneys general sometimes step in to protect the public from companies that exploit compulsion-inducing products.
    — Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026
  • But per the Black List, the story follows an antisocial man suffering from obsessive compulsions who is haunted by the death of his hoarder mother.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of compulsion
Noun
  • But Rybakina showed no intimidation, quickly coming through with a decisive break to clinch the victory after Gauff sent her overhead shot out of bounds, much to the shock of those there to root on the American.
    — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Maryland leaders must make clear that brutality and lawless intimidation will not be tolerated.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of intimidation
Noun
  • Opponents have branded the bill unsafe and unworkable, citing concerns around potential coercion of vulnerable people and a lack of safeguards for those with disabilities.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Lawmakers, medical colleges and religious leaders raised concerns over coercion, disability rights and uncertain prognoses, while supporters warned the defeat leaves dying patients traveling abroad for assistance under the current law.
    — Pan Pylas, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 2026.

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