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.

There are exceptions, which Brian unsuccessfully attempted to enforce.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

Ian Russell, chair of the online safety charity the Molly Rose Foundation, has previously said the government should enforce existing laws rather than bring in "sledgehammer techniques like bans".

From BBC • May 25, 2026

When there might be issues: If you’re flying from California to Texas, or have a layover there, officers may enforce Texas state law, including in the terminal.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Because of this, Congress allows for private individuals to sue to enforce the rights protected by the ADA.

From Slate • May 19, 2026

The U.S. military, he continued, was going to enforce “a strict quarantine” on Soviet ships headed to Cuba.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

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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