force 1 of 2

1
2
as in to violate
to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse with a person unwilling or unable to give consent was accused of forcing a woman

Synonyms & Similar Words

force

2 of 2

noun

1
as in manpower
a body of persons at work or available for work the entire force of the shipyard will be needed to get this government order done on time

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
4
5
as in impact
the quality of an utterance that provokes interest and produces an effect expressed the full force of her frustration with her son for his reckless behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

6
7
8
as in supply
the number of individuals or amount of something available at any given time the great debate during the Cold War was whether the nation's missile force was adequate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word force different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of force are coerce, compel, constrain, and oblige. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.

forced to flee for their lives

In what contexts can coerce take the place of force?

The meanings of coerce and force largely overlap; however, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

When would compel be a good substitute for force?

While in some cases nearly identical to force, compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

When is it sensible to use constrain instead of force?

While the synonyms constrain and force are close in meaning, constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

When could oblige be used to replace force?

The words oblige and force are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.

felt obliged to go

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 force
Verb
The car has also been re-outfitted with a Rolls-Royce Pantheon Grille and Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, two features that Top Gear reports Dodd was forced to remove in the early 1980s following a trademark lawsuit from the automaker. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2025 The early years meant dealing with discrimination that forced them to shift their client base to Black communities, building churches and HBCUs when white clients wouldn’t hire them. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
Drone increases operational superiority of naval forces In close collaboration with Couach shipyard, Thales is upgrading the initial prototypes of surface drones, which have been tested by the French Navy and Royal Navy since 2021, thus demonstrating its expertise as a systems integrator. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025 Wing night and a chicken-and-broccoli casserole join forces here for a dish that will add some spice to your evening. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
Verb
  • Necessity compelled us to use it.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025
  • For that reason, too, the Grammy winner was compelled to furnish it primarily in one brand, RH, so that every bit of white oak would be the same.
    Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • In August 2024, the Hales Corners Library Board voted unanimously to keep the books in the library's circulation and concluded Lewis-Lane and library staff did not violate library policies.
    Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 5 Nov. 2025
  • But Comey's attorneys raised separate concerns that by using those materials at all, the government may have violated Comey's rights -- not just by reviewing potentially privileged information, but also by revisiting evidence obtained by warrants that would now be considered stale.
    Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • When coupled with the Royal Navy’s initially uncontested command of the seas, all this manpower was enough to provide the British cause in America with a critical early advantage.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The average department has been operating with a 10% shortage in manpower, the survey found.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • For those who do know him, the optics are less about political pressure and more about simple, unadulterated pride.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Mexico enters the 2026 World Cup with the excitement and pressure of co-hosting the tournament, eager to finally break its long-standing barrier of reaching the Round of 16.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025
  • The Maldives’ own India Out campaign—paradoxically led by Yameen after his electoral defeat to the pro-Indian politician Ibrahim Mohamed Solih—gained traction, casting India as a neo-imperial power.
    MUHIB RAHMAN, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Figlio said the states and districts that have adopted those policies have done so without much evidence to support their effectiveness.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Although auctions are a ubiquitous form of fundraising that vary in effectiveness depending on what’s crossing the block and who benefits, philanthropic bidding will be in overdrive at a single-lot event in Las Vegas on November 21.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The France midfielder signed from Lyon in the summer has been eased into his Premier League career after a two-month injury layoff, with Guardiola using him mostly as an impact substitute since returning to action in mid-October.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Over the course of the three-day summit, attendees and Goldman leaders talked all things AI—from the most lucrative investments, to the tech’s impact on the environment, and its potential to innovate industries.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • According to a 2023 report from Human Rights Watch, millions of Bangladeshis faced political persecution during Hasina’s tenure, including arrests, prosecution, and violence.
    MUHIB RAHMAN, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
  • This attack is the latest in a surge of settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, which have been taking place on a near-daily basis since mid-October.
    Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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