forceful

adjective

force·​ful ˈfȯrs-fəl How to pronounce forceful (audio)
: possessing or filled with force : effective
a forceful argument
forcefulness noun

Examples of forceful in a Sentence

He has a very forceful personality. She's a confident and forceful leader. They have made a forceful argument in favor of changing the system. The government has threatened to use more forceful measures if necessary.
Recent Examples on the Web Experts say the best response to an active shooter is a forceful one. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 22 May 2024 Blinken came under forceful questioning about Biden's pause on some offensive weapons to Israel, a State Department report on Israel's conduct in the war and the administration's posture toward Iran at the hearing that broadly focused on the president's foreign policy. Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for forceful 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'forceful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forceful was in 1571

Dictionary Entries Near forceful

Cite this Entry

“Forceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forceful. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

forceful

adjective
force·​ful ˈfōrs-fəl How to pronounce forceful (audio)
ˈfȯrs-
: having or done with much force : vigorous
a forceful speech
forcefully adverb
forcefulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on forceful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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