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 deadline to pass the legislation forced action on bills to regulate artificial intelligence, reign in immigration enforcement and require housing near transit. Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Some monks who were once forced off the island put a curse on it and everyone who ever took anything away from it. Sara Stridsberg september 15, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
After launching in Europe, the Peel It Back Tour hit the States in early August, treating fans in Oakland, California, to a mix of hits and deep cuts that continue to define their legacy as a seminal force in industrial rock. Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 14 Sep. 2025 For almost a century, the Jenkins Music Company was a major force in the music retail industry. Sarah Biegelsen, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
Verb
  • Yet these productions are increasingly designed around an ethos of visual-over-depth that compels us to immediately document and post each scene.
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • One way lawsuits can generate this pressure is through the discovery process, which compels companies to turn over internal documents, and could shed insight into what executives knew about safety risks or marketing harms.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Just days ago, Russian drones violated Polish airspace, drawing a reaction from NATO.
    Oleksandra Matviichuk, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • That means public institutions that fire workers for comments in their personal capacity may be violating their constitutional rights, experts told IndyStar.
    Cate Charron, IndyStar, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For now, Salm said, NATO nations do not have the radar equipment, anti-air weapons or manpower to ensure full anti-drone coverage of their territories.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Moscow has devoted considerable resources, manpower, and political will to its invasion of the country next door.
    Jeremy Shapiro, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • By the time the impeachment trial commenced, the top-down pressure from prominent, national Republicans could be seen and felt.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • His game plan was to move forward, pressure Volkanovski and land with power.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As demand for electricity surged to power more electric devices in homes and Big Tech's boom in data centers, renewable energy has been the go-to source for the cheapest, fastest way to generate more juice.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, global demand for data center capacity could more than triple by 2030, requiring upgrades in power, cooling, and connectivity.
    Maurice Obeid, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Element Human, which uses behavioral AI to measure creative effectiveness, analyzed a recent Jake collaboration with creator Daniel LaBelle.
    Jamie Gutfreund, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Injection wells could also help reduce Arizona’s carbon footprint through carbon capture, though some scientists question that technology’s effectiveness.
    Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • More generally, the Nepalese public criticized the government’s measures disproportionate impact on ordinary users.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The psychological impact of this shift cannot be overstated.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Kirk's killing, and its aftermath, have stoked deep divisions across the country at a time when political violence was already on the rise.
    Connor Greene, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Hate speech that crosses the line into threats of violence is NOT protected by the First Amendment.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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