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.
Court records show Sophie was charged with two counts of burglary, criminal trespassing, simple assault and rape forcible compulsion. Mike Stunson, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025 Phillips had filed for divorce in September 2023, less than two weeks after Masterson was sentenced to prison for two counts of forcible rape. Jami Ganz, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025 This incident led to the felony forcible penetration charge. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 2025 In America, little attention has been paid to the practice of forcible organ harvesting. Cory Franklin, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 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 4 Nov. 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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