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

McMillan and Colon were initially charged in state court last March with burglary, forcible touching and official misconduct, but a judge dismissed the case and sealed the prosecution in December after the Queens District Attorney's office failed to meet the court's speedy trial rules. —ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026

The woman called 911 to report what happened, leading to the cops’ arrest and indictment in March 2025 on burglary, forcible touching and official misconduct. —John Annese, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026

Delaeno Moorman, 35, pleaded not guilty in San Diego Superior Court on Friday to forcible lewd acts on a child and kidnapping for child molestation. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

Targeting is forcible contact with an opponent’s head or neck area where the offending player often uses the crown of his helmet to make contact or launches his body into the opposing player above the shoulders. —Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 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