enforce

[en-fawrs, -fohrs] / ɛnˈfɔrs, -ˈfoʊrs /

VERB

put a rule, plan in force

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accomplish administer apply carry out implement impose invoke prosecute reinforce require sanction

STRONG

administrate coerce commandeer compel constrain demand dictate discharge dragoon drive effect emphasize exact execute exert expect extort fortify fulfill goad hound impel incite lash make necessitate oblige perform press spur strain stress strong-arm support urge whip wrest

WEAK

crack down egg on force upon insist on lean on put into effect put screws to

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease halt not finish refuse stop

STRONG

check delay deter disapprove discourage dissuade fail forget give ignore leave alone let go lose miss neglect prevent release repress

WEAK

abandon disregard drop forego give up overlook

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.

Bowens worries that some people will fraudulently overstate deductions and that people who mess up accidentally could get hurt as the IRS tries to enforce the law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

The FDA won’t enforce certain provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for hemp-derived oral products solely because they contain CBD, Commissioner Marty Makary said in a letter Wednesday.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Among other acts of extortion, this was an important weapon that he was using to enforce the blockade against Cuba.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The second line was that banning A.I. would just enforce our actual policies, because A.I. already tends to break rules.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

The requirements seemed pretty tough until you focused on the second-to-last one: “to enforce compliance with a lawful direction.”

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

enforce

Example Sentences

Related Words