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 of forced

• 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

Some jokes feel forced, as if added after the fact to try to lighten the mood. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 22 July 2026

Haushofer’s The Wall prompts readers to reflect on this question as an unnamed protagonist becomes a forced—though not unhappy—homesteader, cutoff from society by an invisible barrier. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 17 July 2026

Avoid Bundles That Feel Forced Consumers ignore bundles that feel forced. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Another 79 percent want new laws to stop goods made with forced labor from entering the market. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 2 July 2026

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
• reenforced
• unforced
• coursed
• gorst
• horsed
• horst
• sourced

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