coercive

adjective

co·​er·​cive kō-ˈər-siv How to pronounce coercive (audio)
Synonyms of coercive
: serving or intended to coerce
coercive power
coercive measures
coercively adverb
coerciveness noun

Examples of coercive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Moscow and Beijing might well take a less coercive stance toward their neighbors if the United States were to reduce its own military presence in and designs on their rimlands. — Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026 This includes such behaviors as repeated propositioning, coercive pressure, unwanted touching and physical violence. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 Whereas al-Khansaa had exercised coercive authority over other women as an enforcement and security unit, Khatiba Nusaybah was organized as a female military battalion. — Sara Harmouch, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026 No child should experience therapy that is coercive, demeaning or traumatic. — Robin Koncilja, Denver Post, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coercive

Word History

Etymology

coerce + -ive

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coercive was circa 1600

Phrases Containing coercive

Rhymes for coercive

See All Rhymes for coercive

Browse Nearby Words

coercion
coercive
coercive force
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coercive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercive. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Legal Definition

coercive

adjective
co·​er·​cive kō-ˈər-siv How to pronounce coercive (audio)
1
: serving or intended to coerce
2
: resulting from coercion
to protect women from coercive intimacy—Kimberle Crenshaw

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