COERCE Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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

The meanings of compel and coerce largely overlap; however, 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 'coerce'?

The words constrain and coerce can be used in similar contexts, but constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice. // constrained by conscience

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

While in some cases nearly identical to coerce , 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: When might 'oblige' be a better fit than 'coerce'?

While the synonyms oblige and coerce are close in meaning, oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty. // felt obliged to go

coerce

verb

kō-ˈərs

Definition of coerce next

as in to compel

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure was coerced into signing the document

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

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

The words constrain and coerce can be used in similar contexts, but constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

In what contexts can force take the place of coerce?

While in some cases nearly identical to coerce, 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

When might oblige be a better fit than coerce?

While the synonyms oblige and coerce are close in meaning, 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 coerce Steel, at one point, even appeared to allege that the witness may have been coerced or intimidated ahead of his testimony. —

Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2024 The suit, which didn’t say how much White paid the Mexican plaintiffs, alleges that he was coerced into making the settlements. —

Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024 Musk has defended the giveaways, saying in a town hall that it was not meant to coerce people to register to vote. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 While past episodes coerced us into believing one thing or another, feeling this way or that way, Episode 5 tips the scales. —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for coerce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coerce

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