COERCE Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

coerce

verb

kō-ˈərs

Definition of coerce next

as in to compel

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure was coerced into signing the document

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The Hindu family, in other words, will not be coerced into sending their children to the Lutheran school in the sense that they will be tossed into jail if their kids go to the secular school. —

Ian Millhiser, Vox, 28 Jan. 2025 On the stand, Torres said Guevara coerced him into implicating Williams. —

Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025 Many intersex individuals are also transgender—whether because they were surgically coerced into the wrong type of body in their youth, by misguided medical practitioners, or simply because many humans are born that way. —

Alicia Roth Weigel, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025 The alleged 'hitman' himself, Allen Glover, has admitted his testimony was coerced. —

Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for coerce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coerce

Verb

The production by British post-punk veteran Nick Launay helps this minimal song compel your attention as the band keeps playing.

— Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2025
The tariffs were also meant to compel the countries to take further action to stop undocumented immigrants from entering the U.S. and to narrow their trade surplus.

— Kerry Breen, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2025