forced

adjective

ˈfȯrst 

1

: compelled by force or necessity : involuntary

a forced landing

2

: done or produced with effort, exertion, or pressure

a forced laugh

forcedly

ˈfȯr-səd-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• required
• compulsory
• incumbent
• mandatory
• necessary

Examples of forced in a Sentence

forced payment of membership dues

wasn't thrilled with the suggestion and so responded with a forced smile

Recent Examples on the Web

The other dozen arrived thanks to Anisimova’s six unforced errors and six forced errors. —Howard Fendrich, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025

In the Broncos’ only regular-season loss, in September at No. 7 Oregon, Simpson had five tackles, 1.5 for loss, a solo sack and a forced fumble. —Sean Gregory, Time, 1 Sep. 2025

The Biden administration particularly focused on how the exemption allowed goods made with forced labor to make it into the country in violation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. —Gabrielle Fonrouge,melissa Repko,annie Palmer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025

Green Bay also finished seventh in rushing defense and was fourth in forced turnovers with 31. —Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1537, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing forced

• forced labor
• forced perspective

Rhymes for forced

• divorced
• endorsed
• enforced
• indorsed
• outsourced
• unforced
• coursed
• gorst
• horsed
• horst
• sourced
• reenforced

Kids Definition

forced

adjective

ˈfō(ə)rst 

ˈfȯ(ə)rst

1

: caused or brought about by force or necessity : involuntary

made a forced landing

2

: done or produced with effort

a forced laugh