force 1 of 2

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2
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

1
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

2
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5
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

6
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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

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

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
Experts have said rising vacancy levels had forced landlords to accept less in rent, but the fires wiped away thousands of homes, suddenly thrusting many people into the rental market. Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025 Some broke past a barrier and attempted to force their way inside of the building. Reuters, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
An autopsy later revealed her cause of death to be blunt force trauma, and the murder weapon was later determined to be a large tree branch. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025 Time to forage for alternatives until the egg supply returns to full force: –Unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup substituted for each egg in a recipe), is a good binding agent for cakes, cookies, hamburgers, and meatloaves. Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
Verb
  • How could Democrats compel a vote to end the tariffs?
    John Parkinson, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • In Houston earlier this month, the Dynamo felt compelled to offer fans free tickets to future matches after Messi didn’t travel.
    Pablo Maurer, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Simmons also faces additional litigation from at least six other accusers who claim the Def Jam co-founder violated the terms of their confidential settlements, failing to pay them a combined total of more than $11 million.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The order violates core constitutional rights, including the rights to free speech and due process.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The pressure on stocks seems to come from an economic growth scare, which includes plunging consumer confidence, with additional fuel provided by the policy uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
    Bill Stone, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • At a key hearing on March 6, 2023, Ricco says, Messiah broke down from the pressure and began crying.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This dispatchable energy from batteries stabilizes the U.S. power supply.
    Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The festival will also host on April 12 an industry day that will gather industry professionals around panels discussing the impact of AI in cinema, covering creation, financing and changes in film production.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 18 Mar. 2025
  • And Answers For Tuesday, March 18 Forests And Responsible Consumer Behavior Consumer choices significantly impact deforestation.
    Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Women belonging to ethnic and religious minorities experienced distinct harms that were compounded by pre-existing discrimination and violence against them - as women and as minorities.
    Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • According to Us Weekly, in April 2021, Matt pleaded guilty to one count of domestic battery with corporal injury of a spouse and guilty to one felony count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud or deceit.
    Diane J. Cho, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The man, who has not been named, was found emaciated and told police he had been confined in the home since age 11.
    Peter D'Abrosca, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Perez was flown to a hospital but died later in the day, police said.
    Sara Schilling, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • British naval blockades cut off supplies of saltpeter from traditional sources in India and South America.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Even with Mauritius picking up some of the slack left by China and Cambodia, many researchers worry the supply of these animals may falter.
    ByRefael Kubersky, science.org, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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