COERCE Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

coerce

verb

kō-ˈərs

Definition of coerce next

as in to compel

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure was coerced into signing the document

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples 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 The new law doesn't prevent teachers from outing students to their parents if they're not coerced. —

Acacia Squires, NPR, 31 Dec. 2024 The alternative to accommodation is for the United States to coerce South Korea into giving up on nuclearization by threatening economic sanctions and exclusion from the market for nuclear materials. —

Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024 Terrorism requires the death to be intended to intimidate or coerce the population or influence government policy. —

Erin Keller, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024 For a crime to be considered terrorism, the government must prove that the perpetrator intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence the policy of a unit of government or affect the conduct of a unit of government. —

Hurubie Meko, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for coerce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coerce

Verb

The offers have been enticing enough to compel at least half of Solaris owners to sell over the past two years, according to property records.

— Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
Our nation's founding principles of liberty and justice for all compel us to confront inequities and strive for inclusion.

— Paulette Granberry Russell, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025