coercive

adjective

co·​er·​cive kō-ˈər-siv How to pronounce coercive (audio)
Synonyms of coercivenext
: serving or intended to coerce
coercive power
coercive measures
coercively adverb
coerciveness noun

Examples of coercive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If the boundary between them is compromised, the church too will become coercive. — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 But researchers have asserted that prison labor will always be inherently coercive. — Julia Bowling, The Conversation, 29 May 2026 Terms like coercive control and male entitlement now circulate far beyond academic settings. — Kate Casey, Vanity Fair, 2 June 2026 As San Jose moves toward a more coercive approach for homeless residents who repeatedly refuse shelter, the debate over enforcement will remain central at City Hall. — Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for coercive

Word History

Etymology

coerce + -ive

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coercive was circa 1600

Phrases Containing coercive

Rhymes for coercive

See All Rhymes for coercive

Browse Nearby Words

coercion
coercive
coercive force
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coercive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

coercive

adjective
co·​er·​cive kō-ˈər-siv How to pronounce coercive (audio)
1
: serving or intended to coerce
2
: resulting from coercion
to protect women from coercive intimacy—Kimberle Crenshaw

More from Merriam-Webster on coercive

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for coercive

Nglish: Translation of coercive for Spanish Speakers

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