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
If Harris remains on NFI after that deadline, he will be forced to miss the first four games of the season. Daniel Popper, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025 Brutal competition in China’s green tech sectors pushes companies abroad Brutal competition in China’s clean tech sector is forcing electric-vehicle companies abroad in search of growth while the solar industry readies a cartel to combat mammoth overcapacity. Semafor Staff, semafor.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
Araújo was also seen as the driving force behind some of the Bop House’s more controversial tactics. Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2025 Some of the weapons from these exchanges have also been transported to Ukraine, where they will be used by Ukraine’s defense forces. Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
Verb
  • Without probable cause, Windsor could not have forced or compelled a blood test, breath test or urine test, De Bree’s memo said.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
  • In season four, Mike’s control over Kingstown is threatened as new players compete to fill the power vacuum left in the Russians’ wake, compelling him to confront the resulting gang war and stop them from swallowing the town.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Any claim or suggestion that Connecticut has violated or is not in compliance with federal law is false.
    Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025
  • According to Calo, the court order doesn't technically violate OpenAI's terms of service, which say the company must retain data to comply with legal orders.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The diamonds formed under extreme pressure and heat deep in the Earth's mantle.
    Benj Edwards, ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The goal is to rehearse the human side of pressure so leaders are ready when the stakes are real.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Hall 6 puts yachts between 65 and 115 feet in the spotlight with a solid selection of superyachts, multihulls in both sail and power, and a special area for superboats and tenders to complement the parent yachts.
    Kathleen Turner, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Join us in San Francisco to see hosts Katie Drummond, Michael Calore, and Lauren Goode shed light on the people, power, and influence of Silicon Valley.
    WIRED Staff, Wired News, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The missile's ultimate impact on the war may depend on the shifting tides of diplomacy, especially if U.S. President Donald Trump succeeds in initiating peace talks.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The first agreement, for improvements of Pabst Farms Boulevard between Village Lane and Sawyer Road based on a traffic impact assessment, formalizes a plan in which Pabst Farms Development and Costco will pay for road costs.
    Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • As the novel unfolds, Carson follows Lexa’s life at the foot of the mountain, as she is caught between loyalties to her family and to her betrothed, while the spectre of violence creeps closer by the day.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The baseline level of violence in America remains higher than its peer countries, which can fuel legitimate fear, experts say.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Trump administration disputes this narrative, noting that the police department reported 1,588 violent crimes this year so far.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Donald Trump has no basis to take over the local police department.
    Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Traditionally, a 5- to 6-month supply is considered a balanced market between buyers and sellers.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025
  • California is way, way, way behind on its overall housing supply.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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