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

With that ban set to expire at the end of January, supervisors were forced to make a decision on the recurring problem. —

Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2025 Growing up as a person who stutters really forced me to become comfortable being uncomfortable. —

Dalton Ross, EW.com, 29 Jan. 2025

Noun

Art, in all its forms, has always been a storyteller - a force for change that weaves emotion, meaning, and vision into every stroke and frame. —

Vogue, 29 Jan. 2025 This isn't the first time Lamar and Chavarria have joined fashion forces. —

Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for force

Recent Examples of Synonyms for force

Verb

The offers have been enticing enough to compel at least half of Solaris owners to sell over the past two years, according to property records.

— Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
If one is compelled to inextricably correlate the art and the artist, there are any number of reasons for viewers to avoid new work from Mel Gibson.

— Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025