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 Constitution 101: the government cannot coerce speech. Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 19 May 2025 While many chose to undergo these permanent procedures, others were forced or coerced. Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025 The alleged kidnappers shocked the victim with electric wires, held him upside down from the top of a staircase, cut his leg with a saw and threatened to kill his family in a bid to coerce their Italian hostage to unlock his Bitcoin account, prosecutors said. Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025 Swat is coerced into taking on the role or finally getting legal comeuppances for all of his misdeeds and ends up taking on solving the mystery of a series of disappearances plaguing Echo city. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for coerce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coerce
Verb
  • In a conversation with Harvard Business School, Sam Altman observes that the rise of AI will compel us to rethink jobs and society.
    Arafat Kabir, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • So when California sets new emission standards – and other states follow – the auto industry is compelled to adopt them.
    Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Despite Anna’s meticulous preparations, her intent to force confessions from the passengers and deliver them directly to authorities is immediately derailed when just hours into the trip one of her guests is murdered.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
  • Whether that’s a trial site, a community center or the patient’s workplace, this model removes friction from both ends: Participants aren’t forced to travel, and sponsors don’t have to wait for overwhelmed sites to come online.
    Sonali Bloom, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • However, a driver is not legally obligated to submit to a field sobriety test, pre-arrest test or cheek swab at a DUI checkpoint, according to the Law Offices of Grech and Parker in Riverside. Field sobriety tests are subjective and may not accurately measure sobriety, according to Bee archives.
    Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • The county has also received a $7 million federal grant, which must be obligated in 2026, Theodore said.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • The Giants obliged, sending their now-former quarterback into free agency for the first time in his career.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
  • On the one hand, he felt legally obliged to obey Dred Scott—the court ruling that said Blacks were not citizens—and worried about public reaction.
    Zaakir Tameez June 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coerce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coerce. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on coerce

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