Synonym Chooser

How is the word compel different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of compel are coerce, constrain, force, and oblige. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

When might coerce be a better fit than compel?

Although the words coerce and compel have much in common, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

When is it sensible to use constrain instead of compel?

While the synonyms constrain and compel are close in meaning, constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

When could force be used to replace compel?

In some situations, the words force and compel are roughly equivalent. However, force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.

forced to flee for their lives

When is oblige a more appropriate choice than compel?

The words oblige and compel can be used in similar contexts, but oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.

felt obliged to go

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 compel New York Times Kamala Harris felt compelled to speak out about what President Trump was doing to the country. New York Times, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025 Trump is not compelled to release any information, and there is no template for the presidential exam. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2025 Last year, the trial judge, Spencer Eig, denied the Dolphins’ motion to compel arbitration. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Apr. 2025 To compel Brand to return home, the UK government’s Home Office would need to make an extradition request to U.S. authorities. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compel
Verb
  • The settlement also adds that Google will not interfere with, restrain or coerce workers in the exercise of their rights.
    Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • If a sitting or former president can successfully coerce law firms into submission by threatening financial ruin, what happens to the idea of legal independence?
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • However, no amount of care or good intentions can prevent the sudden demolition of the brothers’ home, courtesy of a vague order from the IDF — for which the family is even forced to pay.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Due to the alligator's aggressive behavior, Department of Natural Resources contractors were forced to euthanize the reptile and remove it from the area.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • You are not obligated to have a conversation with the police.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The district is not obligated to use the full amount.
    Phil Rockrohr, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Gentry implied that the growth sprang largely from American unexpectedly adding flights, which the airport is contractually obliged to accommodate, The Ledger reported.
    Ted Reed, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Wolff said Xi may not be ready to take Taiwan by force yet as there are other hotspots in the South China Sea where the U.S. potentially would be obliged to intervene against Chinese belligerence, such as the Philippines.
    John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Steam generator repairs In nuclear plants such as Palisades, water heated by the reactor passes through tubes in the generators, causing water outside the tubes to boil into steam that drives the turbines to produce electricity for the grid.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Authorities allege, per the AP, that White drove up next to Noble and got out of his car with a gun in his hand, prompting Noble to get out of his car and run away.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compel. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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