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

forcibly

ˈfȯr-sə-blē 

adverb

Examples of forcible in a Sentence

the forcible removal of the rioters

Recent Examples on the Web

As forcible mobilisation grows to fill Ukraine’s ebbing ranks, so will anger at the presidency and military. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

De La Cruz has been indicted on more than two dozen charges including five counts of forcible rape, one count of unlawful imprisonment and one count of unlawful surveillance, according to the DA’s office. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

Beyond the official count Ukraine’s Bring Kids Back UA, the official tracker of abducted children, lists over 20,000 possible cases of forcible deportation and transfer of children by Russia. — Thom Reilly, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026

Samuel Leyva, 34, pleaded no contest to forcible rape and was transferred to state prison last June, records show. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing forcible

• forcible entry

Rhymes for forcible

• enforceable
• unenforceable

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

-blē

adverb

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