strong-arm

1 of 2

adjective

ˈstrȯŋ-ˈärm How to pronounce strong-arm (audio)
Synonyms of strong-armnext
: having or using undue force

strong-arm

2 of 2

verb

strong-armed; strong-arming; strong-arms

transitive verb

1
a
: to use force on : assault
b
: bully, intimidate
2
: to rob by force

Synonyms of strong-arm

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Verb

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Examples of strong-arm in a Sentence

Verb developers trying to strong-arm homeowners into selling their houses at below-market prices
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.
Adjective
Time and time again, courts have slapped down these strong-arm tactics that lack the force of law. — Bob Morgan, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026 Soon after, police received a report of a strong-arm robbery on the 1300 block of 7th Avenue. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Verb
And if two media companies were strong-armed out of the deal, were their First Amendment rights violated? — Robertas Bakula, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2026 Hezbollah, for the longest time, was strong-arming other parties, and they are accused of assassinating a former Prime Minister. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strong-arm

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1897, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of strong-arm was in 1897

Rhymes for strong-arm

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Browse Nearby Words

strong anthropic principle
strong-arm
strongback
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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