COERCION Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

coercion

noun

kō-ˈər-zhən

Definition of coercion

as in pressure

the use of power to impose one's will on another a promise obtained by coercion is never binding

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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 coercion Nefarious actors have long been keen to fill the gap through what international law describes as coercion, deception and abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability. — Robert P. George, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2026 Many other women have come forward with allegations of rape, coercion, drugging and exploitation as well. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026 Nearly a year later, Brazil’s courts convicted Eduardo of coercion and sentenced him to four years and two months in prison. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026 Other leaders seem resigned to the fact that this 80-year global experiment in cooperative international relations has ceded the floor once again to the world order of coercion that dictated most of human history. — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coercion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coercion

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

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

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

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

Noun

The resulting wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, along with settler violence in the occupied West Bank, have stoked worldwide outrage, straining ties with Israel's closest allies and fueling a rise in antisemitism.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
In Bend, the violence ended when a teacher tackled the shooter to the ground, allowing a dad who’d followed the shooter into the school to shoot and kill him.

— Nina Vinik, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of violence

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coercing

coercion

coercions

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

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Synonyms of coercion

noun

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