Synonym Chooser

How is the word coerce different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of coerce are compel, constrain, force, and oblige. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," 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 coerce?

The meanings of compel and coerce largely overlap; however, 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 coerce?

The words constrain and coerce can be used in similar contexts, but constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

In what contexts can force take the place of coerce?

While in some cases nearly identical to coerce, 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

When might oblige be a better fit than coerce?

While the synonyms oblige and coerce are close in meaning, 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 coerce She was sentenced in federal court in Boston to four years in prison for charges of coercing people to engage in prostitution and money laundering conspiracy. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2025 Experts say this is a potentially serious counterintelligence problem that could allow foreign intelligence services to gain insight into a target’s social network or even identify individuals who could be paid or coerced to act against them. Dhruv Mehrotra, Wired News, 27 Mar. 2025 It is now believed that Grimm was coerced to make a confession and plead guilty, and that evidence was withheld to support his plea, according to court records. Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2025 While the deal may have saved business for the firm, it was seen as a betrayal of the independence of law firms and a potential road map to coerce other firms to make concessions. arkansasonline.com, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coerce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coerce
Verb
  • To compel Brand to return home, the UK government’s Home Office would need to make an extradition request to U.S. authorities.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Overreaching diversity strategies can not only suppress speech, but also compel it.
    Suzanne Nossel, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, no amount of care or good intentions can prevent the sudden demolition of the brothers’ home, courtesy of a vague order from the IDF — for which the family is even forced to pay.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Due to the alligator's aggressive behavior, Department of Natural Resources contractors were forced to euthanize the reptile and remove it from the area.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • You are not obligated to have a conversation with the police.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The district is not obligated to use the full amount.
    Phil Rockrohr, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As a signatory of the Rome Statute, which established the court in 2002, Hungary is obliged to arrest Netanyahu.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The 125 states that recognize the ICC -- including France, Germany and the United Kingdom -- are obliged to arrest anyone with an outstanding arrest warrant who enters their territory.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coerce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coerce. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on coerce

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