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

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 compel Unlike Joe Biden, the story went, America’s new president was willing to put the screws to Israel to compel quiet in Gaza and would keep the deal on track. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2025 The indirect cost cuts have been temporarily blocked by a federal judge, but the chaos still compelled many universities to preemptively tighten their belts. Celia Ford, Vox, 17 Mar. 2025 Avoid seeds 13-16 If you are compelled to pick a first-round upset, look to a No. 11 or 12 seed. Everett Cook, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025 In trying to ban TikTok, the US government also argued that parent company ByteDance could be compelled to hand over control to the CCP. Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compel
Verb
  • She was sentenced in federal court in Boston to four years in prison for charges of coercing people to engage in prostitution and money laundering conspiracy.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Experts say this is a potentially serious counterintelligence problem that could allow foreign intelligence services to gain insight into a target’s social network or even identify individuals who could be paid or coerced to act against them.
    Dhruv Mehrotra, Wired News, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Her story forced the country to confront a flawed legal system and the cultural discomfort with women who challenged it.
    Gemma Allen, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The move, which has already begun, is again forcing the displacement of Palestinian civilians who returned to their homes in northern and southern Gaza strip after the ceasefire was announced in January.
    Barak Ravid, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The payment to the city needs to be fulfilled by March 30, when the city is obligated to close its books for the year.
    Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Is he contractually obligated to win all the fights?
    Chris Lee, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Katy, a 32-year-old mother of a 15-month-old in Texas, requested that her daughter be given the second dose early because of the outbreak in Texas and upcoming travel plans; her pediatrician obliged, administering the second dose years early.
    Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Scheffler apparently felt obliged to include the recipe after famously cutting open his hand with a wine glass while making homemade ravioli earlier this year, according to CBS Sports.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Ultimately, the league’s decision-making on NBA expansion will be driven by a combination of market size, media presence, economic factors, and ownership interest.
    Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Senate fiscal hawks are making a steep set of demands in negotiations over the debt ceiling, driving an even harder bargain than the House rabble-rousers who won $2 trillion in cuts.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compel. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on compel

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