STRONG-ARMING Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Noun

Roughly three-quarters of teen TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat users said harassment and bullying were problems on those platforms for people their age.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
The is mostly a political one that the far-right uses to stoke prejudice and hatred against a community already victimized by that and bullying.

— Greg Cote August 9, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of bullying

Verb

Rather than prescribing rigid programs or focusing solely on physical health, the resort blends science with ancient wisdom, movement, nutrition, nature, and human connection to create experiences that feel individualized rather than intimidating.

— Gabby Shacknai, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
To be sure, putting our unvarnished, authentic selves on display can feel intimidating, but audiences respond well to it, and this approach can allow for meaningful connection and influence.

— Matt Abrahams, Time, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of intimidating

Noun

Secret Service officials have also highlighted threats against Trump from foreign actors, including Iran—amid the ongoing war.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Experts agree that even lower temperatures can pose health threats to vulnerable populations, especially when combined with high humidity.

— Drew Kann, AJC.com, 4 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

That is, of course, completely unnecessary as Nolan’s version has broken box-office records and caused an ongoing ticket frenzy.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026
This has the support of Israel’s far right government, which faces a possible loss of power in an October election, and that’s led to a frenzy of settlement activity.

— Greg Dixon, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of frenzy

Noun

Google DeepMind is struggling to retain its technical edge, keep hold of top researchers, and contain an employee revolt over its defense work.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
And, at least for now, despite the threat of revolt, internal pressure within FIFA appears to have abated.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of revolt

Noun

Evans’ historic eight terms as the first Black chief judge saw the county through reforms, changes and upheavals, including the elimination of cash bail and the COVID-19 pandemic.

— Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
But after 48 hours of upheaval this week, the times — and in particular the calendar — are changing.

— Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of upheaval

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strong-armed

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Style

“Strong-arming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong-arming. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of strong-arming

noun

verb

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