force 1 of 2

verb

Definition of forcenext
1
as in to compel
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure the public outcry from the scandal forced the mayor to resign road construction forced them to take an alternate route

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

ˈfȯrs How to pronounce force (audio)
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
as in pressure
the use of power to impose one's will on another a cruel tyrant who disbanded the parliament and ruled by force

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in power
the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task got through the college board exams by sheer force of will

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in effectiveness
the capacity to persuade surely you were influenced by the force of his arguments?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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6
as in violence
the use of brute strength to cause harm to a person or property the officer threatened to resort to force if the suspect did not surrender

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in police
a body of officers of the law the police detective retired after 23 years on the force

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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
Rookie left guard Jared Wilson is forced to block Seahawks interior defensive linemen Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II and Jarran Reed. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026 There are several trees and shrubs that flower in spring that will work for forcing inside in late winter. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
This oscillation between rage at one’s own powerlessness and fantasies of violence is the song’s motive force. —Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026 Two state police officers have been suspended after the Connecticut Office of Inspector General launched an investigation into the use of deadly physical force during a high-speed motor vehicle pursuit in Colchester last November. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
  1. compel
  2. violate
  3. manpower
  4. pressure
  5. power
  6. effectiveness
  7. impact
  8. violence
Verb
  • Consumer demand increasingly forms inside cultural ecosystems that compel participation.
    — Christopher Vollmer, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
  • So, both Democrats and Republicans see federal enforcement not as protection but as an occupying force to compel liberals to bow to Republican political goals.
    — Robert Pape, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of compel
Verb
  • If the director and board both agree the investigation showed police policy was violated, the Cincinnati city manager will make a final decision regarding punishment, if warranted.
    — Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Cross later filed a federal lawsuit against Nanos, claiming the sheriff violated his First Amendment rights.
    — Peter D'Abrosca , Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of violate
Noun
  • The New Haven County Utility Task Force assisted with manpower, and the Tanker Task Force assisted with water supply operations.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Ten years ago, the USW went on strike for 99 days at 12 refineries nationwide, concerned with safety, training and manpower.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of manpower
Noun
  • To transmit more power, there are two ways – either a larger hose (thicker cables and higher current) or higher pressure (higher voltage).
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Around the same time, Southwest’s management came under pressure following an activist takeover by Elliott Investment Management.
    — Dallas Morning News, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of pressure
Noun
  • Until crude vulgarians like Miller came along, no prominent American political figure would claim on our behalf a right to use our power for purely selfish ends, at the expense of other democratic states and foreign peoples.
    — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Calling out corporate entities and concentration of power as enemies also appears to be a winning strategy for Democrats in their messaging tactics.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of power
Noun
  • Mixing grapefruit, whether as a juice or in a dietary supplement, with some medications can disrupt how the drugs are processed in your body, potentially causing dangerous side effects or loss of effectiveness.
    — Ross Phan, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Psyduck, one of the main Pokémon used by Misty in the series, was a water-type who could use powerful psychic moves, but the timing and effectiveness of its abilities was disrupted by its constant headaches.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of effectiveness
Noun
  • El Paso is home to one of the largest cargo facilities near the border, so these restrictions could have a significant impact on shipments as well.
    — Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Retail bankruptcies have had a major impact on malls and their landlords who must seek out new tenants to fill sites being vacated, and/or devise redevelopment plans.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of impact
Noun
  • Although Pakistan's capital has seen relatively few attacks compared with other regions, the country has experienced a recent rise in militant violence.
    — MUNIR AHMED, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The men who were charged in December are facing two counts of kidnapping resulting in death and one count of causing the death of a person in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking crime.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of violence

Phrases Containing force

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forborne
force
forced
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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on force

Nglish: Translation of force for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about force

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