FORCE Synonyms: 296 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'force' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of force are coerce , compel , constrain , and oblige . While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," 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

Q: In what contexts can 'coerce' take the place of 'force'?

The meanings of coerce and force largely overlap; however, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure. // coerced into signing over the rights

Q: When would 'compel' be a good substitute for 'force'?

While in some cases nearly identical to force , compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force. // compelled to admit my mistake

Q: When is it sensible to use 'constrain' instead of 'force'?

While the synonyms constrain and force are close in meaning, constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice. // constrained by conscience

Q: When could 'oblige' be used to replace 'force'?

The words oblige and force are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty. // felt obliged to go

force 1 of 2

verb

Definition of force next

as in to compel

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure the public outcry from the scandal forced the mayor to resign road construction forced them to take an alternate route

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Relevance

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as in to violate

to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse with a person unwilling or unable to give consent was accused of forcing a woman

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force

2 of 2

noun

ˈfȯrs

as in manpower

a body of persons at work or available for work the entire force of the shipyard will be needed to get this government order done on time

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as in pressure

the use of power to impose one's will on another a cruel tyrant who disbanded the parliament and ruled by force

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as in power

the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task got through the college board exams by sheer force of will

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as in effectiveness

the capacity to persuade surely you were influenced by the force of his arguments?

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as in impact

the quality of an utterance that provokes interest and produces an effect expressed the full force of her frustration with her son for his reckless behavior

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as in violence

the use of brute strength to cause harm to a person or property the officer threatened to resort to force if the suspect did not surrender

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as in police

a body of officers of the law the police detective retired after 23 years on the force

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as in supply

the number of individuals or amount of something available at any given time the great debate during the Cold War was whether the nation's missile force was adequate

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word force different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of force are coerce, compel, constrain, and oblige. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," 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

In what contexts can coerce take the place of force?

The meanings of coerce and force largely overlap; however, 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 force?

While in some cases nearly identical to force, 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 force?

While the synonyms constrain and force 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 oblige be used to replace force?

The words oblige and force are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 force

Verb

Tribune reporter Ronald Yates then revealed in 1976 that two witnesses were forced to tell half-truths and withhold vital information during Toguri’s trial. —

Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 The administration's decision to cap NIH reimbursement rates could force scientists to shutter their lifesaving research on cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, addiction, infectious diseases, and more. —

Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Noun

Weili has been a dominant force in the division, showcasing elite striking and incredible durability. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 9 Feb. 2025 Applying gossip as a regulatory force to strangers has the potential to create harm. —

Kelsey McKinney, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for force

Recent Examples of Synonyms for force

Verb

But after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Slava was compelled to devote much of his energy to the defense of his country, training soldiers in weaponry.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2025
By framing Greenland as a strategic asset of unparalleled importance, Trump compelled Denmark to prioritize investments aligned with U.S. interests.

— Ryan P. Burke, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2025