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force 1 of 2

Definition of forcenext
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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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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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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
And yet, Kansas rallied to force overtime. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026 Now, federal cuts could force the county to reconsider, said Jamie Michael, Doña Ana’s health and human services director. Kff Health News, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
Drone increases operational superiority of naval forces In close collaboration with Couach shipyard, Thales is upgrading the initial prototypes of surface drones, which have been tested by the French Navy and Royal Navy since 2021, thus demonstrating its expertise as a systems integrator. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025 Wing night and a chicken-and-broccoli casserole join forces here for a dish that will add some spice to your evening. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for force
Recent Examples of Synonyms for force
Verb
  • Necessity compelled us to use it.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025
  • For that reason, too, the Grammy winner was compelled to furnish it primarily in one brand, RH, so that every bit of white oak would be the same.
    Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • In October 2025, Beckerink pleaded no contest to domestic violence charges in connection to two incidents at Tracey's home in New Buffalo, Michigan, as well as one count of contempt for violating his bond, and was sentenced to 93 days in jail.
    Todd Feurer, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The lawsuit argues the freeze violated federal law, including the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional limits on executive power and how Congress appropriates funds.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • With the city facing a budget crunch, police officials and union leaders have warned that less resources and manpower risks causing an uptick in crime.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • While Russian forces are seen to have an advantage on the battlefield, not least in terms of manpower, and are making incremental progress in eastern Ukraine, a ceasefire is not seen to be in Russia’s interests.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Auburn committed 26 against Texas' full- and half-court pressure with the Longhorns turning them into 40 points.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Polymer packaging requires injection molding, which normally uses high pressure.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The experience also reinforced Madsen’s belief in the power of social media.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Mophie's power bank has the functionality of a wireless MagSafe connection, with the convenience of a stand.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Each of these decisions moves the state further away from the clarity taxpayers, students and families need to evaluate the effectiveness of the system and the readiness of students.
    Bruce Rauner, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Breeze head coach Noelle Quinn compared Bueckers’ effectiveness in Unrivaled’s 3-on-3 format to Skylar Diggins, pointing to how dangerous both players become when the floor opens up and decisions have to be made quickly.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Ittaps into themes of toxic masculinity and unveils the impact social media has on young people.
    Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The impact Each missed opportunity to add or retain a star has saved the Red Sox countless millions.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Cruz and other Republicans argued the decision minimized the gravity of an attack on the judiciary and could encourage future political violence.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The numbers mark a sharp reversal from a spike in violence during the worst years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Force.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/force. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on force

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