as in persistent
formal
using force or threats to make someone do something; using coercion
coercive measures
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 coercive
So while foreign powers can implement actions against member states of the European Union, the union itself would ultimately have the power to respond on Denmark's behalf, making any tariffs—especially those deemed coercive—effectively a declaration against the EU rather than just Denmark.
—
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025
But China has been honing its capacity to pursue this coercive campaign for well over a decade.
—Kyle Balzer, Foreign Affairs, 21 Nov. 2024
In recent years, Pierson has become convinced that a coercive interrogation technique common among U.S. law enforcement agencies can lead to wrongful convictions, and has championed new models of questioning.
—Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Today, direct intervention may be off the table, but coercive measures can influence Russia’s calculations.
—Elie Tenenbaum, Foreign Affairs, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for coercive 
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025
But China has been honing its capacity to pursue this coercive campaign for well over a decade.
—Kyle Balzer, Foreign Affairs, 21 Nov. 2024
In recent years, Pierson has become convinced that a coercive interrogation technique common among U.S. law enforcement agencies can lead to wrongful convictions, and has championed new models of questioning.
—Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Today, direct intervention may be off the table, but coercive measures can influence Russia’s calculations.
—Elie Tenenbaum, Foreign Affairs, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for coercive
Thesaurus Entries Near coercive
Cite this Entry
“Coercive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coercive. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share