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.

He also believed they had tried to coerce him, and decided they should have to answer for it publicly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

It’s the exact opposite of what you truly want, but your husband has allowed his brother and sister-in-law to coerce and/or guilt-trip your husband into an unwelcome financial arrangement.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 21, 2026

So, the justice explained, “a government official cannot coerce a private party to punish or suppress disfavored speech on her behalf.”

From Slate • Sep. 18, 2025

The strategy said the UK had to reduce "our dependence on others, including the ability of adversaries to coerce or manipulate us".

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2025

Part of me wants to take her by the shoulders and beg her for help, but I can't coerce her into doing this.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

Vocabulary lists containing coerce

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