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.

To its credit, the league did not enforce the rule when Vesia’s number started appearing on caps in the World Series.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026

It will be difficult to enforce, which Starmer acknowledged.

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2026

Jarvis told the Commons that Britain "does not seek escalation but we will always take necessary steps to enforce UK sanctions".

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

All that is needed is to enforce the law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026

If inmates preferred to live mainly by the rules, I asked, then why did they give new officers like me, who were trying to enforce them, such a hard time?

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

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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