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

The oldest crime he was convicted of, committing a forcible lewd act on a child, occurred between 1997 and 1999, according to court records. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

Gooding has been accused of groping dozens of women and pleaded guilty to one count of forcible touching in 2022. — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026

Between February 2014 and February 2020, Perez-Juarez committed multiple forcible lewd acts against the first victim, who was ten years old at the start of the abuse, according to court documents. — Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 16 July 2026

That chase also failed to meet the requirements of OPD’s pursuit policy, which allows such a risky procedure only if the suspect is believed responsible for a forcible felony. — Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 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