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
Jakes confessed to acting as the lookout during the killing, but prosecutors threw out his charges in 2018 after the torture commission found credible evidence of coercion by Boudreau and Detective Michael Kill.
—
Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Through trade, investment, and, at times, economic coercion, Beijing has embedded itself in the economies of its neighbors.
—Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026
Economic coercion or retaliation, including sanctions both official and ad-hoc, threats or tariffs, or export embargoes for key commodities were highly concerning possibilities for three-fifths of those surveyed.
—Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
Smith further argued that mailing the drug without in-person screenings leaves women without adequate medical oversight or evaluation for contraindications, coercion, and other health concerns.
—Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for coercion
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Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Through trade, investment, and, at times, economic coercion, Beijing has embedded itself in the economies of its neighbors.
—Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026
Economic coercion or retaliation, including sanctions both official and ad-hoc, threats or tariffs, or export embargoes for key commodities were highly concerning possibilities for three-fifths of those surveyed.
—Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
Smith further argued that mailing the drug without in-person screenings leaves women without adequate medical oversight or evaluation for contraindications, coercion, and other health concerns.
—Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for coercion
Cite this Entry
“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercion. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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
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