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.

He said: "I welcome the CMA's tough action today to enforce the law and make sure businesses play fair."

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Watch the video above to see how the military vessels and aircraft in the region could be used to help enforce the blockade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

With just hours before the deadline, however, it was unclear how the military would enforce such a blockade.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

In effect, the free flow of goods on the open seas hinged on global adherence to rules the U.S. helped write, but lacked the capacity to enforce.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

“The regulatory entomologists ... function as prosecutor, judge and jury, tax assessor and collector and sheriff to enforce their own orders,” said Connecticut entomologist Neely Turner.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Vocabulary lists containing enforce

Stay Strong: Forc and Fort

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13th Amendment (1865)

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19th Amendment (1920)

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