force 1 of 2

1
2
as in to violate
to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse with a person unwilling or unable to give consent was accused of forcing a woman

Synonyms & Similar Words

force

2 of 2

noun

1
as in manpower
a body of persons at work or available for work the entire force of the shipyard will be needed to get this government order done on time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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4
5
as in impact
the quality of an utterance that provokes interest and produces an effect expressed the full force of her frustration with her son for his reckless behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

6
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8
as in supply
the number of individuals or amount of something available at any given time the great debate during the Cold War was whether the nation's missile force was adequate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

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

In what contexts can coerce take the place of force?

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

While in some cases nearly identical to force, 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 force?

While the synonyms constrain and force are close in meaning, constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

When could oblige be used to replace force?

The words oblige and force are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 force
Verb
Structural instability forced the closing and demolition of a decades-old restaurant at the end of the pier called The Dolphin. Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025 The announcement is the latest effort in the Administration’s apparent attempt to force a rupture between China and the U.S. Michael Luo, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
Noun
As well as raising the use of force, the move puts all officers on notice they could be called into duty ASAP and keeps those already on shifts working. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 June 2025 Similar scenes played out Friday in Los Angeles, the same day Democratic lawmakers continued seeking answers from ICE and its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security, about why such a show of force was necessary in South Park. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
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
  • The growth indicates that viewers felt compelled to watch sooner rather than later in order to participate in the public discourse about the show.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • The amendment was inspired by neighboring counties, including Sacramento and Placer, that already instituted hefty fines for violating fireworks ordinances.
    Jack Rodriquez-Vars, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • If an interaction that violates our Community Guidelines occurs, report it to us.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • One of the ways that happened, Lam said, came in the form of U.S. political pressure on foreign governments or private industry to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements between Indigenous peoples and their governments.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025
  • But paired with $9 trillion in refinancing pressure, the incentives start to warp.
    Jemma Green, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • While the Marines are expected to avoid direct engagement with demonstrators, the symbolism of active-duty troops patrolling the streets of Los Angeles has reignited deep political tensions and legal debates over the limits of federal power.
    Nik Popli, Time, 11 June 2025
  • Money becomes power, and without clinical oversight, that power enables harmful behaviors.
    John Samuels, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Those creators and organizations who seize this moment will not only succeed in the technological arena but also create a sustainable socio-economic impact.
    FNU Anupama, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Environmental impacts According to Suiter, Asian needle ants wreak havoc in native environments.
    Stephen Smith, CBS News, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • The funds were then guided by an investment plan adopted by the city last September to support youth and youth violence prevention programming to nonprofits and public entities.
    Olivia Cyrus, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2025
  • Trump administration officials have seized on the isolated incidents of violence to suggest wide parts of L.A. are out of control.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Los Angeles law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the city’s police department, have responded to demonstrations throughout the city, at times deploying flash-bang grenades, projectiles and other crowd-control measures.
    Bora Erden, New York Times, 13 June 2025
  • His unruly behavior prompted someone to call the police.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • In addition to several ground beef recalls reported in recent months, the U.S. cattle inventory is at a 25-year low, and severe drought in parts of the country has further reduced the feed supply, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
    Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
  • Oil prices jumped more than 4% on Wednesday as fears of a conflict that would disrupt crude supplies suddenly swept the market.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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