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
Relevance
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-arm
Don’t try and strong-arm anyone into supporting you, because that certainly won’t leave anyone impressed.
—
Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2023
On Thursday Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne invoked Article 49 of the French constitution, which enabled the Macron government to strong-arm a bill through the National Assembly without a vote.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 16 Mar. 2023
Both Sides Win In a difficult market, taking a strong-arm position may backfire.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023
Government shouldn’t ban their working situation in order to empower labor organizers to strong-arm them into joining a union.
—The Editors, National Review, 2 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for strong-arm
Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2023
On Thursday Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne invoked Article 49 of the French constitution, which enabled the Macron government to strong-arm a bill through the National Assembly without a vote.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 16 Mar. 2023
Both Sides Win In a difficult market, taking a strong-arm position may backfire.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023
Government shouldn’t ban their working situation in order to empower labor organizers to strong-arm them into joining a union.
—The Editors, National Review, 2 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for strong-arm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong-arm
Verb
-
Following his arrest, law enforcement learned that Reardon called the Israeli Consulate in Boston 98 times between Oct. 7, 2023 and Jan. 29, 2024, and made harassing and intimidating statements.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
-
If you're intimidated by orange, Dior's Rouge Dior Lipstick in 200 Nude Touch is a great starter shade with a beautiful warm undertone, as is Fenty Beauty's Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in Noodz & Dudez.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
For her part, Cook said she won’t be bullied into stepping down and plans to rebut accusations of mortgage fraud from a Trump administration housing official.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Dumas said he will not be bullied into silence and is concerned about the well-being of the FMU student body and alumni.—
Raisa Habersham,
Miami Herald,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strong-arm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong-arm. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share