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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 Five plays later, including a six-yard scramble by Karl under heavy duress, Turnbow scored from the 4 for a 7-6 lead. — Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 4 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for duress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duress
  1. pressure
  2. constraint
  3. compulsion
  4. intimidation
  5. coercion
Noun
  • Bessent's Treasury Department is ratcheting up pressure on financial institutions as part of its effort to choke off trade and financial flows between Iran and rest of the world, fueling speculation that Chinese banks could be targeted.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Later that year, despite federal and diplomatic pressure, the mayor insisted on having an Israeli military contingent march in the ticker tape parade saluting the troops of Operation Desert Storm up Broadway’s Canyon of Heroes.
    — Herbert Block, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of pressure
Noun
  • More gets lost when implementation hits an unanticipated constraint.
    — Lorenzo Alvaro, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • They are being asked to increase speed and productivity while managing labor constraints, rising customer expectations, greater order complexity, and constant pressure to control costs.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of constraint
Noun
  • Still, from early on, Brigitte understood the compulsion as evidence of her mother’s resolve.
    — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Long before the serial killings, Puente publicly claimed to have adopted them — revealing her desperate need for attention and a compulsion to lie.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of compulsion
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Democrats and independents were more concerned than Republicans about eligible voters being able to cast their ballots without facing obstacles or intimidation, the poll found.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • There is also a level of intimidation — The Athletic encountered a reluctance from individuals and organisations to speak on the record.
    — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of intimidation
Noun
  • But when a generation stops believing that an unjust rule has legitimacy, coercion becomes increasingly expensive.
    — Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Their rule in Yemen has inflicted suffering on people through corruption, coercion, aid diversion, and war.
    — Jason D. Greenblatt, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 2026.

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