forcible

adjective

forc·​ible ˈfȯr-sə-bəl 

1

: effected by force used against opposition or resistance

2

: characterized by force, efficiency, or energy : powerful

forcibleness noun

forcibly

ˈfȯr-sə-blē 

adverb

Examples of forcible in a Sentence

the forcible removal of the rioters

Recent Examples on the Web

And ethnic minorities during the Ming dynasty were pressured into intermarriage, just as the 2026 Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress codifies Beijing’s new policies on forcible ethnic assimilation. — Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

Under state law, lack of consent generally must be shown through forcible compulsion or a clear expression of nonconsent. — Ilana Turko, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026

Weeks later, he was charged in a separate case with second-degree forcible rape, The Charlotte Observer reported at the time. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2026

Despite the camp’s reprieve, which protects those housed there from possible forcible removal to Afghanistan, residents have little hope of being allowed to enter the United States. — Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing forcible

• forcible entry

Rhymes for forcible

• enforceable
• unenforceable

Kids Definition

forcible

adjective

forc·​i·​ble

ˈfōr-sə-bəl, 

ˈfȯr-

1

: got, made, or done by force or violence

a forcible entrance

2

: forceful

forcibly

-blē

adverb

Legal Definition

forcible

adjective

for·​ci·​ble ˈfȯr-sə-bəl 

: effected by force or threat of force used against opposition or resistance

a forcible felony

forcibly adverb