Definition of coercenext

Synonym Chooser

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

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 coerce The lawsuit says that HHS' declaration seeks to coerce providers to stop providing gender-affirming care and circumvent legal requirements for policy changes. Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026 Jamie doesn’t fully buy it for a bunch of reasons but especially because those two dudes are incredible creeps and one of them tried to coerce Fanny into joining him on the road. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026 The lawsuit says that the health department’s declaration seeks to coerce providers to stop providing gender-affirming care and circumvent legal requirements for policy changes. Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026 The lawsuit says that HHS’s declaration seeks to coerce providers to stop providing gender-affirming care and circumvent legal requirements for policy changes. ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coerce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coerce
Verb
  • Discussions were had at those meetings, and every single thing that has happened has been compelled by council action.
    Jack Fink, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Even those who advocated for conservative positions were compelled to make their case in language amenable to the liberal sensibility.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Now, as China prioritizes renewable energy over coal, Yang is ahead of the change his fellow workers are being forced to confront.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Conflicting signals have set up a week in which investors are forced to position for starkly divergent outcomes.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Because states are not obligated to cover fully mental health and substance use treatments under Medicaid, these cuts will negatively impact underserved populations, including low-income and rural communities.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Alito asked whether the children of Iranian or Russian or Mexican parents should be considered citizens if they were obligated to serve in the military of those countries because of their parents’ citizenship.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The countries that are party to the CMS are legally obliged to protect species listed as at risk of extinction, conserve and restore their habitats, prevent obstacles to migration and cooperate with other range states.
    CBS News, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Musk’s lawyers cited several Delaware Supreme Court case laws that protect against judge bias in cases and when judges are obliged to recuse themselves.
    Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Coerce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coerce. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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