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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in effectiveness

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in police

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

On Thursday, after the Fed lowered interest rates by a quarter of a point, Fed Chair Jerome Powell felt compelled to tell journalists at a news conference that while the economy has been doing well, policies adopted by the White House or Congress could force the Fed to change course. —

Peter Green, Quartz, 9 Nov. 2024 For example, Catherine doesn’t mention that Jonathan pierced his arm with his pocketknife — a gift from Mr. Brigstocke — and forced her to drink the blood. —

Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024

Noun

Ras Al Khaimah was previously best known for pearl-diving, its ceramics business and a sweeping mountain range with a 3,000 year-old fort which was the last line of resistance against British forces in 1819. —

Caroline Reid, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Kobe Johnson, who took his spot in the starting lineup, was a two-way force with his scoring, passing and active defense. —

Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for force

Recent Examples of Synonyms for force

Verb

The Israeli government insists that military force compelled those concessions—a claim Spencer echoes.

John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
Rebecca Bakker, a registered nursing professor who lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan, had already decided against voting for Trump but has not felt compelled yet towards Harris or any third-party candidates.

Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024