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
Recognizing coercive control can be difficult, especially when it’s disguised as love or concern.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
And in this new era of coercive diplomacy, there are many.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
Each act of coercion will require a bespoke reaction, but a common toolkit of punitive measures (for example, retaliatory tariffs against the coercive country) and mitigative ones (for example, financial aid to the target) will enable faster and more persuasive coordinated responses.
—Geoffrey Gertz, Foreign Affairs, 6 Feb. 2025
That’s because the steps necessary to make coercive threats credible enough to work are themselves costly.
—Rosemary Kelanic, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coercive
Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
And in this new era of coercive diplomacy, there are many.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
Each act of coercion will require a bespoke reaction, but a common toolkit of punitive measures (for example, retaliatory tariffs against the coercive country) and mitigative ones (for example, financial aid to the target) will enable faster and more persuasive coordinated responses.
—Geoffrey Gertz, Foreign Affairs, 6 Feb. 2025
That’s because the steps necessary to make coercive threats credible enough to work are themselves costly.
—Rosemary Kelanic, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coercive
Cite this Entry
“Coercive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coercive. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share