Definitions

coerce

[koh-urs] / koʊˈɜrs /

VERB

compel, press

Synonyms

STRONGEST

browbeat bully intimidate repress strong-arm suppress terrorize

STRONG

beset bulldoze concuss constrain cow dragoon drive force hinder impel make menace oblige pressurize push restrict threaten urge

WEAK

high-pressure lean on make an offer they can't refuse put the squeeze on shotgun twist one's arm

Antonyms

STRONGEST

allow encourage help let go

STRONG

aid assist discourage dissuade free halt release repress stop suppress

WEAK

leave alone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"The approach now is to try and befriend people, rather than coerce them."

From BBC • May 20, 2026

"If he were to adopt an unfriendly stance -- demanding concessions from China or attempting to coerce us into doing things we are unwilling to do, we would strike back with force," Wen told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

It would be just as unethical for a therapist to use treatment to pressure someone into being LGBTQ+ as it is to use treatment to coerce someone out of being such an identity.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026

It is manufactured scarcity designed to coerce consumers into a single brokerage’s ecosystem.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

She grappled briefly with Bloomberg, trying to coerce him into a docile lap-cat’s repose.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger

Vocabulary lists containing coerce

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