What is another word for compel?

Pronunciation: [kəmpˈɛl] (IPA)

Compel is a word that means to force or urge someone to do something. There are several synonyms for compel, including oblige, coerce, enforce, pressure, and impel. These words have varying connotations and levels of intensity, such as obliging being a softer means of coercion, while enforcing is a more direct mandate. Coercion stands more towards the no-negotiation approach while pressuring takes a more subtle and indirect influence. Similarly, the word impel stresses the overarching motivation or push to act, similar to inspire. Overall, each of these words embodies the concept of forcing someone to do something, but with nuanced distinctions in meaning, usage, and tone.

Synonyms for Compel:

What are the paraphrases for Compel?

Paraphrases are restatements of text or speech using different words and phrasing to convey the same meaning.
Paraphrases are highlighted according to their relevancy:
- highest relevancy
- medium relevancy
- lowest relevancy

What are the hypernyms for Compel?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the hyponyms for Compel?

Hyponyms are more specific words categorized under a broader term, known as a hypernym.

What are the opposite words for compel?

Compel means to force or urge someone to do something. However, there are several antonyms that convey the opposite meaning of compel. The first antonym is "allow" which means to give permission or permit someone to do something of their own accord. The second antonym is "persuade" which implies convincing someone to act in a certain way using reasoning or argument. Thirdly, "encourage" can mean to inspire or stimulate someone to take action without forcing them. Lastly, "willing" is another antonym of compel as it suggests that someone is volunteering to do something freely without pressure or coercion.

What are the antonyms for Compel?

Usage examples for Compel

On the other hand, I'll compel you to perform in my company.
"Leo the Circus Boy"
Ralph Bonehill
He does not compel nor hasten our decision.
"The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I"
Marcus Dods
The Government was appealed to, and every political and private wire was pulled to compel me to submit my case to a packed jury.
"My Attainment of the Pole"
Frederick A. Cook

Famous quotes with Compel

  • History shows that where ethics and economics come in conflict, victory is always with economics. Vested interests have never been known to have willingly divested themselves unless there was sufficient force to compel them.
    B. R. Ambedkar
  • His lordship may compel us to be equal upstairs, but there will never be equality in the servants' hall.
    James M. Barrie
  • It would do the world good if every man would compel himself occasionally to be absolutely alone. Most of the world s progress has come out of such loneliness.
    Bruce Barton
  • There is no reason why marriage should necessarily compel an actress to forego her career.
    Billie Burke
  • No iron chain, or outward force of any kind, can ever compel the soul of a person to believe or to disbelieve.
    Thomas Carlyle

Word of the Day

inconstructible
The word "inconstructible" suggests that something is impossible to construct or build. Its antonyms, therefore, would be words that imply the opposite. For example, "constructible...