Definitions

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.

It follows an ultimatum the Met Police chief gave firms in March to enforce steps which would make stolen phones less desirable for resale and reuse.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

And in two-and-a-half years, he will no longer have any authority to enforce compliance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

While the military does not enforce or evaluate religious belief, its internal classification systems help determine how resources are allocated and how chaplain support is structured across bases and deployments.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

And, for the first time since then, the U.S. may not be able to enforce that freedom.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Chestnut was fiery and had done a lot of work in the black community to enforce civil rights.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

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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