Synonyms for

Coercion

Verb / kəʊˈɜ:ʃʌn / Another word for coercion — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Coercion means using force or threats to make someone do something they dont want to do.

Synonyms & similar words

compulsion pressure intimidation threat bullying force compulsion duress oppression constraint enforcement persuasion persuasion command demand insistence obligation requirement coaction restraint suppression

Synonyms by register

Formal

compulsion duress constraint intimidation

Informal

pressure pushing forcing arm-twisting

Literary

subjugation bondage oppression

Antonyms

freedom liberty choice volition independence autonomy consent

Common collocations

  • under coercion
  • threat of coercion
  • economic coercion
  • political coercion
  • coercion into
  • coercion to
  • act of coercion
  • without coercion

Word family

noun coercion
verb coerce
adjective coercive
adverb coercively

Usage note

Coercion implies the use of force or threats to make someone do something against their will. It is a formal term often used in legal or political contexts.

Example sentences

  1. The bully used coercion to make the other kids give him their lunch money.
  2. The teacher didnt want to use coercion to get the students to behave, but nothing else was working.
  3. The dictator ruled with coercion, making it impossible for the people to speak out against him.
  4. She felt like she had no choice but to obey her bosss orders, even though it felt like coercion.
  5. The kidnapper used coercion to get the victims family to pay the ransom.

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