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
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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
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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
Israeli forces have increasingly hemmed in Gazans, forcing them into smaller and smaller sections of the territory. Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 17 May 2025 First, a piece of bone broke off and got stuck in his elbow joint, forcing him to have surgery. Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 17 May 2025
Noun
In response, these bad actors are devoting considerable resources to automating brute force and phishing attacks against any account still protected by a password. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025 Yell and the regiment were tasked with ensuring that the army's supplies were transported to the new camp, but after Mexican forces fired upon the Arkansans, Yell burned the supplies that had not yet been removed and retreated after the rest of the army to Buena Vista. Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
Verb
  • That we are compelled to take Miller’s suggestion seriously is a measure of the gravity of the threat to American democracy.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
  • However, unbeknownst to Joe or the four cooks, Edward felt compelled by Joe's message and sent another food critic to secretly review the restaurant.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Last week a federal appeals court upheld Sessions’ order to bring Ozturk back to New England for hearings to determine whether her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process, were violated, as her lawyers argue.
    Rodrique Ngowi, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
  • That was when the makers, Epic Games, included a direct payment option into the app, which violated Apple’s rules.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Trump's administration has suggested the U.S. might not defend NATO countries that fail to meet spending targets—a controversial stance that adds pressure to European governments.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • For Black women, these pressures are often doubled.
    Stephanie Long, Essence, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Both Melling and Skarsgard show an intimate understanding of how the power dynamic between their characters works, but what gives Pillion its kick is the friction sparked when Colin starts wanting more.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
  • Expect this power shift to drive more M&A activity and deeper integrations between banks, fintech platforms, and lifestyle brands.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • If the case is appealed to a circuit court of appeals, that could broaden the impact because circuits span multiple states.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • Is Son Heung-min sharp enough to start on the left wing and make a decisive impact?
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The flashy sequences of violence feel apt for TV (Netflix, along with Steven Spielberg’s production outfit and the Obamas’ media company, is working on a series), but the novel’s real draw is the quieter ache of a family torn apart.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
  • The writing and acting is simply outstanding, with moments of genuine humor followed by gut-wrenching scenes of violence or suspense.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Progressed photo used to show what Ava could look like Ava is a 9-year-old Hispanic female with straight brown hair and brown eyes, Austin police said.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • Garcia said Wednesday that police were searching for the two unidentified suspects.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • The drinks are available for a limited time, while supplies last this summer.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Footwear, apparel and textile producers jumped into action during the Covid-19 pandemic to churn out life-saving personal protective equipment when masks and gowns were in limited supply.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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