as in constraints
the use of power to impose one's will on another
in that class I read books under compulsion that I ordinarily wouldn't have considered
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Recent Examples of compulsions
As the investigation twists and intensifies, Izzy is forced to confront her own compulsions and the personal cost of her pursuit of justice.
—
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026
Letters admitting compulsions and guilt Judge Lopez must also weigh whether letters Cox wrote to a judge in 1993 and 1995 will be admissible.
—Amy Delaura, The Washington Examiner, 28 Feb. 2026
Downgrading to a simpler phone, such as an old-school flip phone, could also help curb social media compulsions.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
Within a week, the compulsions disappeared.
—J. Aaron Sanders, STAT, 4 Feb. 2026
James, not unlike his alcoholic father, is at the mercy of his compulsions.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
These compulsions come from the same place as the impulse to punish Renee Nicole Good for protesting, for not bending to patriarchal authority.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2026
These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and cause significant distress.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
These obsessions and compulsions can vary from person to person.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 15 Dec. 2025
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026
Letters admitting compulsions and guilt Judge Lopez must also weigh whether letters Cox wrote to a judge in 1993 and 1995 will be admissible.
—Amy Delaura, The Washington Examiner, 28 Feb. 2026
Downgrading to a simpler phone, such as an old-school flip phone, could also help curb social media compulsions.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
Within a week, the compulsions disappeared.
—J. Aaron Sanders, STAT, 4 Feb. 2026
James, not unlike his alcoholic father, is at the mercy of his compulsions.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
These compulsions come from the same place as the impulse to punish Renee Nicole Good for protesting, for not bending to patriarchal authority.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2026
These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and cause significant distress.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
These obsessions and compulsions can vary from person to person.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 15 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compulsions
Noun
-
That could mean a delay of hours, days or longer depending on scheduling and technical constraints.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
With production pipelines in some regions backlogged due to capacity constraints, AI automation tools are enabling faster asset and scene creation.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Geopolitical shifts compound these pressures.—
Smooth Nzewi,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Simon has kept the show running like clockwork through one of its most surreal eras, filled with political pressures and changes in corporate control, as well as the surprise exit of her predecessor.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Compulsions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compulsions. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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