HOBSON'S CHOICE Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

Hobson's choice

noun

Definition of Hobson's choice

as in coercion

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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 Hobson's choice Read my lips, in a veritable Hobson's choice between person or thing, AI is a thing, for now. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 June 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for Hobson's choice

Noun

Seward envisioned a North American union created through free choice, not coercion or conquest.

— Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 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

Definition of coercion

Noun

For capable enemy forces like China, this would mean the B-52 would need supporting assets to either deflect attention away from them or directly protect them.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
At least three people, including a Saudi pilot, were killed this week after Houthi forces struck several airports in the kingdom, according to Saudi Arabia.

— Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of force

Noun

Saada has threatened before to reduce the group’s investment during tense negotiations over windowing rules and Canal+ was granted an earlier access to movies after their theatrical run in exchange for its substantial investment obligations.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Any business that outsources development, operations or customer support to third parties should also assume that obligation follows the data, not the org chart.

— Abhik Biswas, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of obligation

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Hobson's choice

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“Hobson's choice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Hobson%27s%20choice. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of Hobson's choice

noun

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