coercive

adjective

co·​er·​cive kō-ˈər-siv How to pronounce coercive (audio)
Synonyms of coercivenext
: serving or intended to coerce
coercive power
coercive measures
coercively adverb
coerciveness noun

Examples of coercive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This new hemispheric posture will enable the United States to fully defend itself against emerging threats and maintain coercive dominance relative to its adversaries while allowing U.S. forces to strike at targets globally. — Stephen Peter Rosen, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025 In contrast with a nation like China that relies much more on coercive economic relationships, the U.S. has been effective at maintaining an extensive network of friends with common values and interests. — Matthew Clary, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025 In contrast, coercive conflicts involve hostile or aggressive interactions characterized by blame, negative emotions and poor outcomes, such as resentment, emotional withdrawal and relationship dissatisfaction. — Mark Travers, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 After his return to the presidency in 2012, Putin used ever more coercive methods to weaken opposition leaders, civil society, and independent media. — Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coercive

Word History

Etymology

coerce + -ive

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coercive was circa 1600

Phrases Containing coercive

Rhymes for coercive

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Browse Nearby Words

coercion
coercive
coercive force
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Cite this Entry

“Coercive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercive. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Legal Definition

coercive

adjective
co·​er·​cive kō-ˈər-siv How to pronounce coercive (audio)
1
: serving or intended to coerce
2
: resulting from coercion
to protect women from coercive intimacy— Kimberle Crenshaw

More from Merriam-Webster on coercive

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for coercive

Nglish: Translation of coercive for Spanish Speakers

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