HOBSON'S CHOICE Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

Hobson's choice

noun

Definition of Hobson's choice

as in coercion

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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 Hobson's choice Read my lips, in a veritable Hobson's choice between person or thing, AI is a thing, for now. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 June 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for Hobson's choice

Noun

Iceland, which has a robust coast guard but no army or defense ministry of its own, finds itself in an interesting position in a world of great power coercion.

— Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Mark Carney drew international attention as Canada’s prime minister by warning that middle powers must resist economic coercion by more powerful countries.

— Rob Gillies, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of coercion

Noun

Joining forces with Jayantibhai and Pen Studios, whose nuanced understanding of the Indian audience is unparalleled, adds a dynamic layer to our broader vision.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Mundubile, who rejected the election result as neither free nor fair, had been in hiding since security forces raided his Lusaka home during the election period.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of force

Noun

Current remaining performance obligation (cRPO) up 14% in constant currency, which is also 1 percentage point above the July quarter guide.

— Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
The school board directed the Superintendent to determine what the district’s financial obligations would be if a Schools of Hope charter occupied a closed school.

— Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of obligation

Noun

More recently, in February 2024, The New Yorker profiled an American academic, Elizabeth Hoover, who had claimed Mohawk and Mi’kmaq descent and apologized for it under duress but continues to teach.

— Tommy Orange, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Miller, signed late last season from the Las Vegas Raiders, was under duress for much of the first half.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of duress

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“Hobson's choice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Hobson%27s%20choice. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of Hobson's choice

noun

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