forcible

adjective

forc·​ible ˈfȯr-sə-bəl How to pronounce forcible (audio)
1
: effected by force used against opposition or resistance
2
: characterized by force, efficiency, or energy : powerful
forcibleness noun
forcibly adverb

Examples of forcible in a Sentence

the forcible removal of the rioters
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Six, plain-clothes private security officers were charged with misdemeanors, including battery, for the forcible removal of a woman from a Republican Party meeting in Idaho. Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025 After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, the U.S. moved quickly to begin its forcible removal of Nikkei. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025 This unusual and alarming development elicited a very strange reaction, though, from relevant scholars in such countries as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, France and Sweden, which seemed to think the forcible relocation was a positive step forward. Ray Cavanaugh, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 Prosecutors wrote in a detention letter that law enforcement agents reported speaking to more than 40 women who described being victims of at least one of the brothers, and each of the brothers have been accused of forcible rape by at least 10 women. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forcible

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forcible was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forcible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forcible. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

forcible

adjective
forc·​i·​ble
ˈfōr-sə-bəl,
ˈfȯr-
1
: got, made, or done by force or violence
a forcible entrance
2
forcibly
-blē
adverb

Legal Definition

forcible

adjective
for·​ci·​ble ˈfȯr-sə-bəl How to pronounce forcible (audio)
: effected by force or threat of force used against opposition or resistance
a forcible felony
forcibly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on forcible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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