Synonyms for

Compel

Verb / kʌˈmpel / Another word for compel — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to force or persuade someone to do something

Synonyms & similar words

oblige obligate force coerce pressure require obligate necessitate drive impel urge motivate persuade induce influence insist demand enforce oblige constrain restrain bind

Synonyms by register

Formal

oblige require necessitate constrain

Informal

force make push pressure

Literary

enforce drive impel

Antonyms

dissuade discourage prevent hinder restrain forbid allow

Common collocations

  • compel attention
  • compel action
  • compel someone to do something
  • compel evidence
  • compel agreement
  • compel a response
  • compel a change

Word family

noun compulsion
verb compel
adjective compulsory
adverb compulsorily

Usage note

Often used to indicate a strong external or internal pressure that makes something unavoidable. Be mindful of the nuance between 'compel' (stronger, often external) and 'persuade' (softer, often internal).

Example sentences

  1. The police officer had to compel the suspect to come with him.
  2. My mom had to compel me to eat my vegetables.
  3. The coach tried to compel the team to work harder during practice.
  4. The court can compel witnesses to testify in a trial.
  5. Jacks laziness compelled his boss to fire him.

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