ARM-TWISTING Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

arm-twisting 1 of 2

noun

ˈärm-ˌtwi-stiŋ

Definition of arm-twisting

as in pressure

the use of power to impose one's will on another it took some arm-twisting, but they eventually agreed to make a donation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

arm-twisting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of arm-twist

as in browbeating

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of arm-twisting

Noun

Call it a figurative arm-twisting. — Eric Stephens, New York Times, 15 May 2026 Other players, however, insist that disarmament must commence first, or else any political process will be subjected to Hamas’s interference, and to arm-twisting by those who can exert influence with their guns and tunnels. — Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025 Ordinarily, any arm-twisting or horse-trading is done behind the scenes, and typically the winning candidate has been able to wrap up the race within days of the November election. — John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for arm-twisting

Noun

But economic pressure won't change Iran's negotiating positions, said Karimi, the former official.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Also, not much pressure from the Chiefs as Sam Darnold’s quick passes were often on target.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of pressure

Verb

Repent and repair Rather than browbeating people into repentance, the Ne’ilah service’s strategy is to boost them up into it, playing upon the biblical idea of the grandeur of humanity.

— Reuven Kimelman, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
His process of doing so involved disparaging his accusers, browbeating people and institutions that no longer wanted to be associated with him, and refusing to accept a path that precluded a return to being a public figure.

— Elizabeth Spiers, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026

Definition of browbeating

Noun

This is increasingly important as water scarcity places pressure on communities and infrastructure, even in traditionally water-secure regions, leading to restrictions and, in some cases, constraints on power generation.

— H.E. Dr Abdulla Saif Al Jarwan, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Tehran fears that surrendering its maritime leverage first would invite fresh demands; Washington worries that easing pressure would reward coercion without securing lasting constraints on Iran’s nuclear program.

— Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of constraint

Verb

As recess is one of the most active places for bullying to take place, Rhea wanted to counteract that trend.

— Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026
Washington should project vision and leadership to its friends, not jarring uncertainty and bullying transactionalism.

— Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of bullying

Noun

My mother bore the brunt of my compulsion, as mothers often do.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
The interior drew its own grim commentary—a few guests expressed feeling a sudden compulsion to jump from the top of the spiral ramp to their death.

— Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of compulsion

Verb

The North Port is a major hub for container and cruise traffic, possibly producing an intimidating environment for the shark.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
He was accused of harassing, threatening, and intimidating the women in person, through social media, and on his podcast.

— Patrick Damp, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of intimidating

Noun

The request was the latest salvo in the messy war where Ghost is suing Wilson for defamation, and Wilson is pursuing counterclaims against the producers for alleged bullying, intimidation, and breach of contract.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2026
Galvanized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, Israeli settlers in the West Bank have recently been waging a particularly severe campaign of violence, intimidation and displacement against Palestinian communities.

— Liam Scott, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of intimidation

Verb

His character is a severe, hectoring figure; his lessons amount to an exhortation to be as mean as possible when money is concerned.

— Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026
Pratt was just another angry New Yorker hectoring calumnies against all forms of authority.

— Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026

Definition of hectoring

Browse Nearby Words

arm-twisted

arm-twisting

arm-twistings

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Arm-twisting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arm-twisting. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of arm-twisting

noun

verb

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