COMPEL Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'compel' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of compel are coerce , constrain , force , and oblige . While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force. // compelled to admit my mistake

Q: When might 'coerce' be a better fit than 'compel'?

Although the words coerce and compel have much in common, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure. // coerced into signing over the rights

Q: When is it sensible to use 'constrain' instead of 'compel'?

While the synonyms constrain and compel are close in meaning, constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice. // constrained by conscience

Q: When could 'force' be used to replace 'compel'?

In some situations, the words force and compel are roughly equivalent. However, 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 is 'oblige' a more appropriate choice than 'compel'?

The words oblige and compel can be used in similar contexts, but oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty. // felt obliged to go

compel

verb

kəm-ˈpel

Definition of compel next

as in to coerce

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure public opinion compelled her to fire her scandal-plagued aide

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of compel are coerce, constrain, force, and oblige. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

When might coerce be a better fit than compel?

Although the words coerce and compel have much in common, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

When is it sensible to use constrain instead of compel?

While the synonyms constrain and compel are close in meaning, constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

When could force be used to replace compel?

In some situations, the words force and compel are roughly equivalent. However, 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 is oblige a more appropriate choice than compel?

The words oblige and compel can be used in similar contexts, but 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 compel The mystery may not be convincing and the actors might look confused by the very words coming out of their mouths, but the momentum of Prime Target compels you. —

Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Jan. 2025 But the executive orders issued on Monday demonstrated the extent to which the Trump administration intends to use the power of the executive branch to compel schools and educators to conform to its vision for social policy. —

Erica L. Green, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 Although relentless attacks on Kyiv's energy grid repeatedly have occurred since the early autumn of 2022 as the Kremlin tries to compel Ukraine to make concessions, this attack was the first on such a large-scale since December 25, 2024. —

Katya Soldak, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 The hearing on federal telework policies, the first hearing for the committee in the new Congress, comes as Republicans plot ideas to compel more workers back to the office when President-elect Trump takes power. —

Emily Brooks, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for compel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compel

Verb

But a divided panel of appeals court judges said the parents hadn’t shown that they or their children had been coerced to believe or act contrary to their religious views.

— Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
In early 2018, the Kansas Court of Appeals ruled that Samuels had coerced McCool into letting the deputy sheriff search his apartment and vacated the convictions.

— Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025