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 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 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

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.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!