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

Her candidacy has also annoyed some police critics who remain angry about the forceful Occupy response in 2011. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 24 June 2026

After all, one of the most forceful elements of our free society is precisely our discontent with our own shortcomings. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

Quite likely, this simply reflects the forceful corporate-earnings momentum working its way through analysts' stock-valuation models. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 23 June 2026

These promotional rates are often a few percent lower than the going national average, and in some cases can be as low as 0% for slower-selling and/or higher-inventory models that need an extra-forceful boost. — Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 23 June 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