force 1 of 2

1
2
as in to violate
to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse with a person unwilling or unable to give consent was accused of forcing a woman

Synonyms & Similar Words

force

2 of 2

noun

1
as in manpower
a body of persons at work or available for work the entire force of the shipyard will be needed to get this government order done on time

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
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4
5
as in impact
the quality of an utterance that provokes interest and produces an effect expressed the full force of her frustration with her son for his reckless behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

6
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8
as in supply
the number of individuals or amount of something available at any given time the great debate during the Cold War was whether the nation's missile force was adequate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of force are coerce, compel, constrain, and oblige. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," 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

In what contexts can coerce take the place of force?

The meanings of coerce and force largely overlap; however, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

When would compel be a good substitute for force?

While in some cases nearly identical to force, compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

When is it sensible to use constrain instead of force?

While the synonyms constrain and force 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 oblige be used to replace force?

The words oblige and force are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 force
Verb
Blurry Vision High sugar levels force the body to pull fluid from your tissues, including the lenses of your eyes. Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025 As All Time Low tapped into the nostalgia of past milestones, they were forced to contend with their legacy, and more importantly, what next steps to take. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
Noun
And yet, to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, the misfortune of others cannot be the driving force behind a push to get out of the play-in bracket in the East after three consecutive seasons of doing the postseason the hard way. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 July 2025 Testing will remain in force until the end of the event, with 830 samples to be collected during 24 days of competition, the Aquatics Integrity Unit said. CNN Money, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
Verb
  • This fosters a competitive market where vendors are compelled to innovate on value, not by locking customers into their ecosystem.
    Rajat Bhargava, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Flynn plays a man compelled to clean up the lawless cattle town of Dodge City.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Under the proposal, violating the permit restrictions would carry a $150 fine.
    John Tuohy, IndyStar, 23 July 2025
  • Then, in November 2023, a mistrial was declared in a federal trial over whether Hankison violated the civil rights of Taylor, her boyfriend and neighbors after the jury could not come to a decision.
    Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • The vote has coincided with efforts by Beijing to raise its military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan.
    Jan Camenzind Broomby, NPR, 26 July 2025
  • The National Hurricane Center continued Friday to track a low pressure system in the Gulf and said in its 8 p.m. advisory that development into the season’s next tropical depression or storm is no longer expected.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Matt Mercer will be the Game Master for the first four shows, while Travis Willingham will take on the seat and the power of the GM for the first time in Dallas.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Atmosphere explores the themes of sacrifice, public service, and the transformative power of love in a more earthbound version of what propels Marvel superheroes.
    Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Last-minute amendments watered down initial requirements to produce annual impact assessments and mitigate algorithmic discrimination in an attempt to make the bill more palatable to the governor.
    Angela Eichhorst, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
  • But city leaders do not believe the impacts necessitate declaring a state of emergency, which would redirect city workers to pick up residents’ trash.
    Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Once contained to local disputes resolved between communities, the violence has exploded into mass killings fueled by population growth, the climate crisis, and the collapse of traditional peacemaking.
    Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 26 July 2025
  • In the United States, a resolution has been introduced to block lifting sanctions on Syria unless the interim government can end the violence against indigenous minorities.
    Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The event premises were secured with orange fencing, and a main entrance was staffed by uniformed Vernon Hills police personnel.
    Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
  • State police are investigating an untimely death at a train station in Berlin on Friday evening.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • These solutions enabled companies to reduce lead times, decrease working capital requirements, and improve uptime by ensuring the availability of supply for critical parts. 2024: Strategic Necessity Achieved 2024 marked the inflection point at which AI became integral to supply chain resilience.
    Paul J. Noble, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The 2025 edition of Code Moo returns to on Tuesday, July 15, promising free food while supplies last.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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