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

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
  • Garcia said he was compelled to act given that nearly two dozen of the top 50 QBs for 2026 already have made commitments.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Some digital law experts worry that the DSA’s risk assessment and risk mitigation provisions could be interpreted to compel platforms to remove speech, even if the law doesn’t directly require the removal of certain harmful content.
    Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Palisades and Eaton Fires have destroyed thousands of homes, killed at least 25 people and forced more than 150,000 residents to evacuate from their homes.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 18 Jan. 2025
  • To avoid insolvency, the plan could be forced to lean on its member carriers.
    Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Section 117 of the Higher Education Act obligates schools to report foreign gifts above specific thresholds to the Department of Education.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Under a separate agency regulation, he was obligated to submit a final report—one volume on each prosecution—to Attorney General Merrick Garland, who has committed to publishing both documents.
    Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Under international law, the finding does not oblige the U.S. to take action, although officials said the sanctions provide some immediate teeth to the measure.
    Declan Walsh, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Another clue is that, as a brand ambassador, Zendaya is contractually obliged to only wear jewelry by Bulgari during red carpet appearances.
    Kate Matthams, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near coerce

Cite this Entry

“Coerce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coerce. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on coerce

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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