Synonyms of strong-arm

strong-arm

verb

as in to intimidate

to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats

developers trying to strong-arm homeowners into selling their houses at below-market prices

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intimidate
• bully
• coerce
• frighten
• browbeat
• scare
• startle
• bulldoze
• cow
• harass
• pick on
• threaten
• badger
• blackjack
• shock
• bogart
• bullyrag
• hector
• force
• pressure
• terrify
• compel
• terrorize
• spook
• bluster
• horrify
• menace
• bludgeon
• oblige
• constrain
• hound
• alarm
• trash-talk
• disturb
• unnerve
• affright
• perturb
• upset
• disconcert
• demoralize
• dragoon
• push around
• distress
• press
• psych (out)
• discompose
• make
• disquiet
• unman

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassure
• comfort
• soothe
• encourage
• cheer
• console
• steel
• persuade
• convince
• solace
• embolden
• hearten

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of strong-arm

Hezbollah, for the longest time, was strong-arming other parties, and they are accused of assassinating a former Prime Minister. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026

Now, the question of whether the US could again use force – or tactics like tariffs or sanctions – to strong-arm countries into choosing Washington’s interests over ties with China is a viable risk being evaluated in the region’s capitals. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026

The government has previously tried to charge Lemon in a steadily escalating campaign involving a string of highly unusual legal moves to strong-arm courts into conceding to its demands. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026

The White House’s push to suppress the Smithsonian’s programming is part of an attempt to strong-arm influential cultural institutions and, in turn, culture itself. — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026