COMPEL Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

compel

verb

kəm-ˈpel

Definition of compel next

as in to coerce

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure public opinion compelled her to fire her scandal-plagued aide

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Stipe said the tragedy of Good’s death compelled them to show support for a young woman who lost her life. —

Kendrick Calfee january 10, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2026 Given rising trade tensions and the likely unsustainable strength in the export sector, Beijing might eventually be compelled to ramp up its policy measures significantly. —

Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026 You might be compelled to flirt with the visible lingerie trend or pair a new faux fur coat with tall Uggs. —

Maressa Brown, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026 Explain the mechanism that Washington used to compel quarterback Demond Williams to return because the consequences were too onerous to ignore, like LSU losing out on $4 million in NIL for 2026 or however it’s phrased. —

Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compel

Verb

Investigators accuse him of coercing middle school football players to perform nude exercises in a locker room and secretly photographing them in various stages of undress.

— Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
Trump may hope that the threat of more danger from above can coerce the Venezuelan regime into acting in ways Washington wants.

— Washington Post, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026