Synonyms of coerce

coerce

verb

kō-ˈərs 

as in to compel

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure

was coerced into signing the document

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compel
• force
• obligate
• oblige
• drive
• intimidate
• constrain
• blackmail
• pressure
• impel
• impress
• bully
• make
• muscle
• press
• browbeat
• sandbag
• dragoon
• blackjack
• threaten
• terrorize
• twist one's arm
• bulldoze
• drag
• harass
• cow
• hector
• menace
• shame
• high-pressure
• badger
• hound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• let
• allow
• permit
• induce
• convince
• move
• satisfy
• talk (into)
• argue
• persuade
• win (over)
• prevail (on or upon)

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

Recent Examples of coerce

Over a month and a half, the report said, Pakistani authorities deported 20,000 Afghans and coerced over 350,000 more to leave on their own. —Trisha Mukherjee, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024

Wood wrote that he was coerced into enticing members of Malcolm X's security team to commit crimes so they could be arrested days before the assassination. —Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024

The order extends a previous one that bars State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo from taking any further action to coerce or intimidate broadcasters that run the commercials. —Kate Payne, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024

Steel, at one point, even appeared to allege that the witness may have been coerced or intimidated ahead of his testimony. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2024