forceful

adjective

force·​ful ˈfȯrs-fəl 

: possessing or filled with force : effective

a forceful argument

forcefulness noun

Synonyms of forceful

• compelling
• convincing
• conclusive
• strong

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

Stepping into the band’s lead guitarist role was Nick Johnston, a forceful presence delivering crisp musical phrases that could be fittingly elegant or snarling. — Steve Appleford, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Called AthenaZero, the robotic system was designed to replicate some of the mechanical properties that let humans perform rapid, forceful, and delicate movements. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

The impact of the crash was so forceful that she was thrown to the other side of the restaurant, while the car continued and crashed through the wall of the burger joint. — Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

There is no question that NATO needs to mount a more forceful response to Moscow’s escalation. — Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for forceful

• remorseful
• resourceful

Kids Definition

forceful

adjective

force·​ful ˈfōrs-fəl 

ˈfȯrs-

: having or done with much force : vigorous

a forceful speech

forcefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

forcefulness noun