coercion
noun
co·er·cion
kō-ˈər-zhən 
-shən
: the act, process, or power of coercing
They used coercion to obtain the confession.
Examples of coercion in a Sentence
a promise obtained by coercion is never binding
Recent Examples on the Web
Mixing pop and politics Soft power refers to a country’s ability to influence others, not through coercion but through attraction – by shaping preferences through culture, values and public diplomacy.
—
Shaoyu Yuan, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025
In such a world, wars might be more frequent, and previous close allies of the United States, whether in Europe or Asia, could be vulnerable to outright coercion.
—Ngaire Woods, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
The two scholars maintain there is no evidence of coercion here.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 22 Apr. 2025
Here are a few practical ways to communicate healthily, without coercion:
Communicate clearly, not coercively.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coercion
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.
Shaoyu Yuan, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025
In such a world, wars might be more frequent, and previous close allies of the United States, whether in Europe or Asia, could be vulnerable to outright coercion.
—Ngaire Woods, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
The two scholars maintain there is no evidence of coercion here.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 22 Apr. 2025
Here are a few practical ways to communicate healthily, without coercion:
Communicate clearly, not coercively.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coercion
Cite this Entry
“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercion. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
coercion
noun
co·er·cion
kō-ˈər-zhən, -shən
: the use of express or implied threats of violence or reprisal (as discharge from employment) or other intimidating behavior that puts a person in immediate fear of the consequences in order to compel that person to act against his or her will
also
: the defense that one acted under coercion see also defense, duress compare undue influence
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share