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

Examples 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

To avoid insolvency, the plan could be forced to lean on its member carriers. —

Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025 The Palisades and Eaton Fires have destroyed thousands of homes, killed at least 25 people and forced more than 150,000 residents to evacuate from their homes. —

Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 18 Jan. 2025

Noun

Under Modi’s governance centered on digital inclusion, India has shown the world the role technology can play as a democratizing force. —

Shashi Shekhar Vempati, Baltimore Sun, 17 Jan. 2025 Russian forces had laid siege to the city in the winter and spring of 2022. —

Michael Holtz, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for force

Recent Examples of Synonyms for force

Verb

Garcia said he was compelled to act given that nearly two dozen of the top 50 QBs for 2026 already have made commitments.

— Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025
Some digital law experts worry that the DSA’s risk assessment and risk mitigation provisions could be interpreted to compel platforms to remove speech, even if the law doesn’t directly require the removal of certain harmful content.

— Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 9 Jan. 2025