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 complaint details repeated incidents of grooming, groping and forcible rape by guards. Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 10 July 2024 Alternatively, the United States can end its commitment to using force to defend Taiwan, potentially inviting a Chinese invasion and the forcible unification of the island with the mainland. Charles L. Glaser, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024 Pratt, who was arrested June 19 in Berkeley, is charged with two counts of forcible rape. Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 1 July 2024 As of late May, an additional 45,000 Rohingya had fled a new surge of violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state (40,000 were already in India), including reports of beheadings, mass arson, and forcible conscription into Myanmar’s government forces. Rasheed Ahmed, TIME, 29 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for forcible 

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 27 Jul. 2024.

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

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