Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for coerce. Search instead for uncoerce.
Definitions

coerce

[koh-urs] / koʊˈɜrs /
VERB
compel, press
Synonyms
STRONGEST
browbeat bully intimidate repress strong-arm suppress terrorize
STRONG
beset bulldoze concuss constrain cow dragoon drive force hinder impel make menace oblige pressurize push restrict threaten urge
WEAK
high-pressure lean on make an offer they can't refuse put the squeeze on shotgun twist one's arm
Antonyms
STRONGEST
allow encourage help let go
STRONG
aid assist discourage dissuade free halt release repress stop suppress
WEAK
leave alone

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 also believed they had tried to coerce him, and decided they should have to answer for it publicly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

It’s the exact opposite of what you truly want, but your husband has allowed his brother and sister-in-law to coerce and/or guilt-trip your husband into an unwelcome financial arrangement.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 21, 2026

In July, another escapee, 24-year-old Laura Avtorkhanova, was found in a shelter in Georgia by a group of male relatives who reportedly tried to coerce her into returning to Russia.

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2025

So, the justice explained, “a government official cannot coerce a private party to punish or suppress disfavored speech on her behalf.”

From Slate • Sep. 18, 2025

Though the performance must be spectacular in order to coerce the best reactions.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern