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 One coerced a maintenance worker into shutting off water to a cell, allowing the escapees to rip out a toilet and sink unit and climb through a hole in the wall, officials said. N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 20 May 2025 Labor shortages and xenophobic tensions against migrants will heighten the challenge, raising the likelihood that the government will have to coerce the population on a larger scale. Andrei Yakovlev, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2025 During her first two days on the stand this week, federal prosecutors asked Ventura how Combs allegedly abused her and coerced her into taking part in the Freak Offs. Danielle Bacher, People.com, 16 May 2025 The accusations span decades and include allegations of drugging, coercing, and assaulting young women in environments tightly controlled by the music mogul. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for coerce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coerce
Verb
  • From the kickoff of their campaigns, candidates would be compelled to reach out to all voters and not just play to the base.
    John Avlon, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025
  • More news: Former MLB Outfielder, World Series Series Champion, Dies From Brain Injury Unfortunately, Hendriks was compelled to issue a warning Thursday to to fans who have threatened his and his wife's life on social media.
    Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • That gives you a puncher’s chance against a team that runs on makes and misses and forces defensive miscues by sheer virtue of its pace of play.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
  • The prospect of a New York team with an identity forged from refusing to yield under pressure forcing an anxiety-inducing Game 7 at Madison Square Garden looms large.
    Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Last month, a Los Angeles judge ruled that Sony was no longer obligated to provide episodes to CBS, which has served for decades as the conduit, delivering batches of episodes to television stations around the country.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Are the writer’s managers, who’re also producers on the movie, obligated to disclose the bump and renegotiate their client’s pay?
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • If the Guardians were looking for the slider this time, Soriano didn’t oblige.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 30 May 2025
  • In a debate with his opponent in late May, Trzaskowski spoke out about the upcoming EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which in theory could oblige Poland to take more refugees from the Middle East and Africa or face penalties.
    Frey Lindsay, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coerce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coerce. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on coerce

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