force 1 of 2

verb

Definition of forcenext
1
as in to compel
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

ˈfȯrs How to pronounce force (audio)
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
as in pressure
the use of power to impose one's will on another a cruel tyrant who disbanded the parliament and ruled by force

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in power
the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task got through the college board exams by sheer force of will

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in effectiveness
the capacity to persuade surely you were influenced by the force of his arguments?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in violence
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in police
a body of officers of the law the police detective retired after 23 years on the force

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

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 Wolverines outshot the Denver 52-26, but the Pioneers found a way to force OT and win in extra time. —Mark Anderson, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026 Ernie caught the fist in his big right hand, then grabbed X’s forearm and bent the wrist up, forcing X to the ground. —Ron Mix, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
On Saturday, Garbage Gals joined forces with the Wicker Park Advisory Council and the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, resulting in the collection of about 115 bags of trash from around the neighborhood. —Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026 Mobile forces require quality systems that are quick and easy to transport. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
  1. compel
  2. violate
  3. manpower
  4. pressure
  5. power
  6. effectiveness
  7. impact
  8. violence
Verb
  • The standstill risk is just over 2% of the current stock price, and in the worst case, one might be compelled to purchase Devon at $40 (plus the $1 premium paid for the spread), or at a ~14% discount to Friday's closing price.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Trump administration officials believe the blockade could compel China to pressure Tehran into making further concessions, following Beijing’s crucial role earlier this month in convincing Iran to accept an initial ceasefire.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
Definition of compel
Verb
  • Werner said there is one charge, an accusation of participating in an encampment that disturbed university operations, which violates the faculty code of conduct.
    — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The penalty for violating the speed limit depends on how fast the driver is going.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
Definition of violate
Noun
  • That's going to require a lot of manpower.
    — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Jafarzadeh said that the campaign is pitched as a patriotic duty, and the mobilization of civilians helps the regime by both replenishing manpower and occupying members of the public that could otherwise be swept up into future protests.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of manpower
Noun
  • The test Wednesday was designed find out if helium was leaking into the oxygen lines of the isolated manifold, thus raising pressure as observed.
    — William Harwood, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Bin Sulayem stepped down from his post as DP World’s chairman and chief executive in February this year, following immense pressure regarding his relationship with Epstein.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
Definition of pressure
Noun
  • The power of an orator who can, in this way, fuse feeling and doctrine is immense.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The American president's agenda has striking parallels with the way the Hungarian leader used the levers of government to tilt the media, judiciary and electoral system to keep his party in power for 16 years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
Definition of power
Noun
  • The device uses heat therapy combined with SonicGlow to activate your skin care by assisting with deeper absorption and effectiveness.
    — Tory Johnson, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • But this loss of horsepower and expertise has come at the cost of her own effectiveness in the role—if, that is, effectiveness is really the goal to begin with.
    — Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 13 Apr. 2026
Definition of effectiveness
Noun
  • Among the flurry of bills championed that day were at least two that could have had an impact in the aftermath of Tuesday’s shooting.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Hiller’s decision highlights the impact of incoming offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, a two-time national championship left tackle at Florida who spent the last six seasons at Penn State.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Definition of impact
Noun
  • Esther says Kim told her that, at times, that need for control boiled over into violence.
    — Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Emmline Toussaint, main coordinator of Mary’s Meals' BND school-feeding program in Haiti, said that gas stations in some regions are selling fuel 25% to 30% higher than even what the government stipulated because of gang violence and difficulties with trucks trying to access certain areas.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
Definition of violence

Phrases Containing force

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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on force

Nglish: Translation of force for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about force

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