coercive

adjective

Definition of coercivenext
as in persistent
formal using force or threats to make someone do something; using coercion coercive measures

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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 coercive However, their relationship was rocky, with Mica’s friends and family alleging that John-Paul exerted coercive control over her in Death of the Pastor’s Wife. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 Those brands have also faced allegations of aggressive or coercive sales practices in social media complaints and, in some cases, court proceedings. — Kristine Lazar, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 Authorities have already been using coercive tactics to find fresh troops. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026 Rights groups say the number of Americans unjustly detained in the country ranges from a dozen to hundreds, including coercive exit bans. — Reuters, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coercive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coercive
  1. persistent
  2. pressing
Adjective
  • Women experience functional pain at about twice the rate of men, with persistent pain in the pelvic area often becoming a debilitating factor in their daily lives.
    — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
  • While PlusAI is a software developer working on self-driving technologies, Kwan said cargo theft has been a persistent problem for the trucking industry, which is in search of solutions to better track trailers and cargo statuses.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of persistent
Adjective
  • The composition of Congress will help determine the next president’s ability to advance legislation and address the concerns voters have identified as most pressing.
    — Katie Angell Britannica Editors Oct. 2, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Polling continues to show that housing affordability ranks among the most pressing concerns for Americans nationwide.
    — Matt Galka, Baltimore Sun, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of pressing

Browse Nearby Words

coercions
coercive
coetaneous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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