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force

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of force

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to cause (a person) to give in to pressure

the public outcry from the scandal forced the mayor to resign

road construction forced them to take an alternate route

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Words Related to force

drag

Phrases Synonymous with force

twist one's arm

Near Antonyms for force

2 to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse with a person unwilling or unable to give consent

was accused of forcing a woman

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Words Related to force

date rape

gang rape

molest

defile,
deflower

force

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of force (Entry 2 of 2)

1 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

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blood

support

2 the use of power to impose one's will on another

a cruel tyrant who disbanded the parliament and ruled by force

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3 the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task

got through the college board exams by sheer force of will

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Antonyms for force

4 the capacity to persuade

surely you were influenced by the force of his arguments?

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Antonyms for force

5 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

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payoff

6 the use of brute strength to cause harm to a person or property

the officer threatened to resort to force if the suspect did not surrender

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Antonyms for force

nonviolence

7 a body of officers of the law

the police detective retired after 23 years on the force

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8 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 for force

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Frequently Asked Questions About force

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