forcible
adjective
forc·ible
ˈfȯr-sə-bəl 
1
: effected by force used against opposition or resistance
2
: characterized by force, efficiency, or energy : powerful
forcibleness
noun
Examples of forcible in a Sentence
the forcible removal of the rioters
Recent Examples on the Web
The actor, who maintains his innocence, was convicted on two of three forcible rape charges this past May.
—
Elizabeth Wagmeister, Variety, 7 Sep. 2023
In May, a Los Angeles jury found Masterson, 47, guilty of two counts of forcible rape during a retrial of a case that involved three women.
—Herb Scribner, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2023
Anyone witnessing his remarks would have believed that Trump had incited a forcible attack on the Capitol.
—The Editors, National Review, 2 Aug. 2023
Two years ago, a former deputy was convicted of forcible rape, lewd acts on a child and other charges.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2023
In 2005, a jury found Johnson guilty of numerous offenses, including first-degree murder, armed criminal action, kidnapping and attempted forcible rape.
—Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 3 Aug. 2023
Canada has shifted from the forcible assimilation of Indigenous people to reconciliation through apology and compensation and the celebration of their culture.
—Norimitsu Onishi, New York Times, 19 July 2023
The jurors, seven women and five men, convicted the That ’70s Show actor on forcible rape charges involving two women.
—Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 May 2023
Compulsory nudity and forcible contact with other nude teammates.
—Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, 8 July 2023
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Elizabeth Wagmeister, Variety, 7 Sep. 2023
In May, a Los Angeles jury found Masterson, 47, guilty of two counts of forcible rape during a retrial of a case that involved three women.
—Herb Scribner, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2023
Anyone witnessing his remarks would have believed that Trump had incited a forcible attack on the Capitol.
—The Editors, National Review, 2 Aug. 2023
Two years ago, a former deputy was convicted of forcible rape, lewd acts on a child and other charges.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2023
In 2005, a jury found Johnson guilty of numerous offenses, including first-degree murder, armed criminal action, kidnapping and attempted forcible rape.
—Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 3 Aug. 2023
Canada has shifted from the forcible assimilation of Indigenous people to reconciliation through apology and compensation and the celebration of their culture.
—Norimitsu Onishi, New York Times, 19 July 2023
The jurors, seven women and five men, convicted the That ’70s Show actor on forcible rape charges involving two women.
—Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 May 2023
Compulsory nudity and forcible contact with other nude teammates.
—Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, 8 July 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'forcible.' 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
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of forcible was
in the 15th century
Phrases Containing forcible
Dictionary Entries Near forcible
Cite this Entry
“Forcible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forcible. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
forcible
adjective
forc·i·ble
ˈfōr-sə-bəl,
ˈfȯr-
1
: got, made, or done by force or violence
a forcible entrance
2
: forceful
forcibly
adverb
-blē
Legal Definition
forcible
adjective
for·ci·ble
ˈfȯr-sə-bəl
: effected by force or threat of force used against opposition or resistance
a forcible felony
forcibly
adverb
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