COERCIVE Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

coercive

adjective

Definition of coercive

as in persistent

formal using force or threats to make someone do something; using coercion coercive measures

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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 coercive The Davidson Town Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to support restoring the funding agreement for the Interstate 77 South toll lane project despite officials’ concern that coercive tactics by the state could have far-reaching consequences. — Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2026 In some cases, preexisting latifundia were modernized and adapted to the needs of export commodity production, frequently on the basis of outright slavery or any number of coercive arrangements like debt peonage and sharecropping. — Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026 However, their relationship was rocky, with Mica’s friends and family alleging that John-Paul exerted coercive control over her in Death of the Pastor’s Wife. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 Those brands have also faced allegations of aggressive or coercive sales practices in social media complaints and, in some cases, court proceedings. — Kristine Lazar, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coercive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coercive

Adjective

The finance chiefs ended the meeting without a joint communique, underscoring persistent divisions among members over the Middle East conflict, trade imbalances, and Russia's war with Ukraine.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
When deployed in numbers, Archimedes units form a resilient defense grid, creating persistent protection for forces, facilities, and critical infrastructure.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of persistent

Adjective

While security is by far the most pressing priority, new projections from the IMF have revealed the war’s deepening economic toll.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
The candidates for county judge debated the county’s most pressing issues, including budget management, flood control and jail diversion.

— Katie Bartlett, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of pressing

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coercions

coercive

coetaneous

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

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Synonyms of coercive

adjective

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