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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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 coercion Audience capture operates through reinforcement rather than coercion. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026 Their rule in Yemen has inflicted suffering on people through corruption, coercion, aid diversion, and war. — Jason D. Greenblatt, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026 Opponents have branded the bill unsafe and unworkable, citing concerns around potential coercion of vulnerable people and a lack of safeguards for those with disabilities. — ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026 Lawmakers, medical colleges and religious leaders raised concerns over coercion, disability rights and uncertain prognoses, while supporters warned the defeat leaves dying patients traveling abroad for assistance under the current law. — Pan Pylas, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coercion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coercion

Noun

That ratio is expected to fall to around two by 2050, putting further pressure on growth and public finances, including healthcare systems, according to Moody’s.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
In the early 2000s, the city authorities stopped the culling of baboon troops in response to public pressure, but that has since swollen the population by a third – to around 500.

— Will Barker, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of pressure

Noun

Many have been feeling the squeeze as costs for inputs like diesel, fertilizer and seed have soared thanks to refinery constraints and supply disruptions amid the Iran war.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
In California, municipal utilities face constraints in raising rates under Proposition 218, a ballot initiative passed in 1996 that says fees must reflect the costs of providing service.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of constraint

Noun

Under state law, lack of consent generally must be shown through forcible compulsion or a clear expression of nonconsent.

— Ilana Turko, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
The real question is whether Pennsylvania and cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia want skill games and other gambling opportunities to be widespread and unavoidable for people who struggle with compulsions to gamble.

— Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of compulsion

Noun

But there are several other federal and state statutes barring voter intimidation that could apply.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
The framework says support for Israel need not mean endorsing every government decision, and calls on Israel to act against settler intimidation and violence.

— Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of intimidation

Noun

In Congo, where the outbreak has spread to seven provinces, responders have faced attacks on health teams, misinformation about the virus, a failure by locals to report symptoms and rebel violence that has limited access to treatment centers.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
In a statement to Rolling Stone, the singer’s attorney, Mathew Rosengart, praised her bravery in fighting the agreement that would have barred her from speaking about her experience and her work with domestic-violence groups.

— Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of violence

Browse Nearby Words

coercing

coercion

coercions

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“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coercion. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of coercion

noun

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