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
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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
Thieves scaled the facade of the Parisian museum in broad daylight Sunday, using a ladder boosted by a mechanical boom truck and forcing a window open, smashing display cases inside, and making off with a handful of priceless jewels, PEOPLE previously reported. Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025 San Jose councilmembers also approved a policy to force ICE agents to unmask during enforcement operations. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
Because clearly there were forces at work on Saturday night well above the head coach’s pay grade. Pete Sampson, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 Bugonia marks the fourth collaboration between Stone and Lanthimos, who have previously joined forces for 2018’s The Favourite, 2023’s Poor Things, and 2024’s Kinds of Kindness. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
Verb
  • Rivera, who left Mexico at 18, is one of a growing number of people compelled to self-deport out of fear of arrest and detention.
    Laura Romero, ABC News, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Her lawyers say that the gravity of the allegations against her have compelled her to seek asylum.
    Aida Alami, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In summer 2024, another complaint focused on the classified documents case, accusing the FBI of violating his privacy with the Mar-a-Lago raid and the DOJ of malicious prosecution.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The Kelly administration has refused to comply, contending that doing so would be a privacy breach that violates state and federal law because the USDA has indicated the data could be shared with outside groups.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Reuters But the group will have little trouble reconstituting its manpower, Eiland said, and security officials believe Hamas has been recruiting new fighters throughout the war even under fire.
    Matt Bradley, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Given the crises of manpower, resources and morale looming over Ukraine in May, this is startling, and potentially flips the dynamics of the months ahead.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As Monaco ramped up the second-half pressure, with Spurs seemingly having no answer for the pace and fervour with which the Ligue 1 side attacked Frank’s defence from all angles, Netherlands international Teze looked set to break the deadlock.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Some of Microsoft’s AI competitors are facing intense pressure to keep young users safe on their platforms.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Zebra mussels can completely clog water intake structures and affect public water supplies, power generation and many other industries.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The Dallas Cowboys climbed up most NFL power rankings lists following their 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Theetge will be on leave pending an internal investigation on the effectiveness of her leadership, according to a release from the city manager.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Tester notes highlight the blanket’s ease of use and effectiveness.
    Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • During his postgame news conference, Napier had a thankful message for the crowd, thanking them for making a positive impact on his players on the field.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Given that the mobile phone is the typical livestreaming device, that also had an impact on the film and its format.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Yet the king hides this violence from his three sons.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Yes, there’s violence, but that comes from poverty, lack of resources, and generations of neglect.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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