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 Beijing has a history of using economic coercion, like cutting off rare-earth exports or restricting market access, as a tool of foreign policy. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 These are predictable outcomes of a system that exposes women, often in isolation, to contact with unknown men under conditions shaped by coercion, stigma, and inequality. — Judy Harris Kluger, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026 The decision must be voluntary, informed, and free of coercion. — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 For instance, where there's active addiction, abuse, domestic violence, coercion or unmanaged mental health issues. — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for coercion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coercion

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

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

Noun

The violence is the latest sign of armed groups increasingly targeting cities and urban centers in Africa's Sahel region.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Magneto’s methods of fighting violence with violence may have sometimes been unscrupulous, but his ideology was always compelling, to X-Men members and viewers alike.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of coercion

noun

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