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

2
3
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
7
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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
Read in English Post The Trump administration’s rapid escalation of a trade war with China has forced many companies to rethink their dependence on Chinese goods and access to the Chinese market—and face the prospect that the world’s two largest economies might be breaking up. Thomas Stackpole, Harvard Business Review, 24 Apr. 2025 Such environments can force the plane downward, disrupt its ability to climb, or reduce lift on the wings, according to aviation experts. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
Brendan McDermid | Reuters A key force at the center of the stock market’s massive two-day rally is the frantic behavior of short sellers covering their losses. Yun Li, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025 YouTube has evolved into not a mere tech operation, but a formidable force in television. Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
Verb
  • Do judges have the power to compel the administration to change its behavior?
    Patrick Reis, Vox, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Cabinet members and other White House officials, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, claimed Monday morning that the ruling had actually been in the administration's favor and did not compel them to bring back Abrego Garcia.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In a series of lawsuits following the order, plaintiffs, including 22 Democratic state attorneys general and immigrant rights advocates, argued that Trump's order violates a right protected by the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment: anyone born in the United States is a citizen.
    Terry Moseley, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The sheriff’s office said it’s launched an internal investigation, but so far has not found any signs that the veteran deputy violated any policies.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After wriggling away from pressure, Watkins’ strike deflected off Schar and past Nick Pope in goal.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The Fed's most potent weapon against inflation is to ratchet up or maintain higher interest rates, because an increase in borrowing costs slows economic demand, which eases inflationary pressures.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Hugo saw that something as simple as shoes could be solved with the right approach and insights, cementing his belief in the power of technology to solve real-world problems.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • This feature gives you more control, giving you the power to decide what is enough for you.
    Celeste Polanco, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The difference in frequency is an indication of the impact of climate change.
    John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Some argue that intangible traits have a significant impact on performance predictions, rather than relying solely on quantifiable factors.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • More than 1,700 people have been killed this year— 1,086 in February and March, according to the U.N. — in violence fueled by criminal groups trying to expand their territorial control and overthrow the government.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Abby’s friends are nervous, even disgusted at this point, horrified at her capacity for violence.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Putin so police in Italy — which is one of the 125 ICC member states — would have be forced to detain him.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Francis attempted to flee from police during the traffic stop but was captured after a short foot chase, court records show.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Rocket 4 will still be able to loft conventional satellites, but Astra's most lucrative contract for the new launch vehicle involves using the rocket for precise point-to-point delivery of up to 1,300 pounds (590 kilograms) of supplies from orbit via specialized reentry vehicles.
    Abigail Bassett, ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
  • So events occurring far from the Caribbean can have major repercussions for its ability to ensure an affordable and varied energy supply.
    Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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