as in to intimidate
to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats
developers trying to strong-arm homeowners into selling their houses at below-market prices
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Recent Examples of strong-arm
Don’t try and strong-arm anyone into supporting you, because that certainly won’t leave anyone impressed.
—
Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2023
On Thursday Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne invoked Article 49 of the French constitution, which enabled the Macron government to strong-arm a bill through the National Assembly without a vote.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 16 Mar. 2023
Both Sides Win In a difficult market, taking a strong-arm position may backfire.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023
Government shouldn’t ban their working situation in order to empower labor organizers to strong-arm them into joining a union.
—The Editors, National Review, 2 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for strong-arm
Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2023
On Thursday Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne invoked Article 49 of the French constitution, which enabled the Macron government to strong-arm a bill through the National Assembly without a vote.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 16 Mar. 2023
Both Sides Win In a difficult market, taking a strong-arm position may backfire.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023
Government shouldn’t ban their working situation in order to empower labor organizers to strong-arm them into joining a union.
—The Editors, National Review, 2 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for strong-arm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong-arm
Verb
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That means people who are counting votes or knocking on doors can’t be intimidated, threatened or coerced.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
12 May 2025
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If mixing up cocktails at home seems intimidating, don't fear—the secret to your new favorite drink might already be in the back of your fridge.—
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2025
Verb
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There’s a lesson in that for anyone who chafes at Trump’s bullying tactics.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
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Topics covered include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bullying and more, the release said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strong-arm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong-arm. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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