arm-twisting 1 of 2

noun

ˈärm-ˌtwi-stiŋ How to pronounce arm-twisting (audio)
Definition of arm-twistingnext
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

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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
  1. pressure
  2. browbeating
  3. constraint
  4. bullying
  5. compulsion
  6. intimidating
  7. intimidation
  8. hectoring
Noun
  • The pressure to win silverware might be off, but this summer is when Villa are entering into more unknowns than ever before under Emery.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Prices of the precious commodity have swung dramatically from one season to the next, particularly as issues such as climate change, water scarcity and pest and disease pressures persist.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of pressure
Verb
  • 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
  • Analysts have suggested a vote from Waller in favor of interest rate cuts, aligning with the president’s browbeating demands for lower borrowing costs—could be seen as a bellwether for his candidacy.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
Definition of browbeating
Noun
  • Facing supply constraints, automakers manufactured more expensive and higher-margin vehicles.
    — Robert Ferris, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Which time-share back has the best chance to break free of his constraints?
    — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of constraint
Verb
  • But, said Vincent Joralemon, a director at UC Berkeley’s Center for Law & Technology, the states aren’t asking for Meta to be held liable over predatory or bullying messages on their own.
    — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • These numbers do not mean every disagreement counts as bullying.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of bullying
Noun
  • The comedian has built her career by wringing laughs out of a compulsion to share her own worst thoughts about her body, life, and career through the lens of a glamorous cabaret diva.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The administration is right that trust matters more than compulsion alone.
    — Katrine Wallace, STAT, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of compulsion
Verb
  • While their titles might seem intimidating, the reality is that these tried-and-true techniques can be really effective for anyone.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Recreational leagues can be intimidating, are often male-dominated and require a level of skill too high for casual players.
    — Lindsay Davenport, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of intimidating
Noun
  • Once apprehended, the suspect will face charges including terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, reckless endangerment and intimidation, Smith previously told reporters.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Smith said once caught, the suspect will face charges of making terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, reckless endangerment and intimidation.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of intimidation
Verb
  • Pratt was just another angry New Yorker hectoring calumnies against all forms of authority.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026
  • Perhaps more meaningfully, the message is the antithesis of a contrived political pitch or a hectoring sermon.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of hectoring

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Cite this Entry

“Arm-twisting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arm-twisting. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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