strong-arming 1 of 2

noun

as in bullying

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Dissimilar Words

strong-arming

2 of 2

verb

present participle of strong-arm
as in intimidating
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 strong-arming
Verb
Tech leaders have quietly backed Anthropic, saying that AI isn’t ready for some weapons and that strong-arming companies is counterproductive and antidemocratic. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong-arming
  1. bullying
  2. intimidating
  3. threat
  4. coercing
  5. bulldozing
  6. frenzy
  7. revolt
  8. upheaval
Noun
  • The 2025 pageants aired on Queen Beauty Network instead of The CW following the May 2024 resignations of Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava, whose mothers accused organizers of abuse and bullying.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Their study analyzed more than 2 million chat messages and identified examples involving grooming, sexualization of minors, bullying, violence and sensitive information sharing that escaped moderation.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of bullying
Verb
  • While their titles might seem intimidating, the reality is that these tried-and-true techniques can be really effective for anyone.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Recreational leagues can be intimidating, are often male-dominated and require a level of skill too high for casual players.
    — Lindsay Davenport, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of intimidating
Noun
  • The goal is also to keep the aircraft adaptable as threats and military requirements change.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Firms in the Program may receive threat information from other private entities and from federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies, and may propose operations to the NCC.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of threat
Verb
  • The losses exceed the number of fresh recruits that Moscow can muster, and Russian authorities are coercing men into signing up.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Anna’s colleague Noa Toussaint (CCH Pounder) follows with a video of Max coercing his mistress into suicide, shattering the narrative that bought his freedom.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026
Definition of coercing
Noun
  • Outside, the ceaseless roar of jackhammering and bulldozing went on as the ballroom, challenged by lawsuits and protected by that titanium fencing, took shape.
    — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
  • After Douglas, Miami picked up a 6-5 1/2, 261-pound bulldozing blocking tight end in Kacmarek, who can be an asset in paving holes in the run game.
    — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
Definition of bulldozing
Noun
  • The frenzy followed Beijing’s decision in the mid-1980s to ban imports of almost all blood products – except human albumin – amid growing fears over the global HIV/AIDS crisis.
    — CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Preece instead has embraced the frenzy of racing around his roots as a rallying point for his last-ditch charge at the Chase.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of frenzy
Noun
  • His experiences span the years leading up to and after the revolt of 1857.
    — Aishwarya Lakshmi, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Democratic primaries have been shaped by a progressive revolt against the party establishment.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of revolt
Noun
  • Guardiola is gone, star midfielder Rodri has departed, and there is ongoing upheaval across several positions as new boss Enzo Maresca reshapes the squad.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • So the city’s annual meeting with the investment community came at an inconvenient time given the personnel upheaval on the fifth floor.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of upheaval

Browse Nearby Words

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strong-arming
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Cite this Entry

“Strong-arming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong-arming. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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