in force

phrase

1

: in great numbers

picnickers were out in force

2

: valid, operative

the ban remains in force

Examples of in force in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fans starved for a change showed up in force and were rewarded. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026

The court ruled that the referendum petition was legal, sufficient, and timely, meaning the new map had not taken effect and that the 2022 congressional map remained in force. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2026

But shortly after the pool reopened, in June, algae returned in force and the sealant peeled, leading crews to repeatedly drain and scrub the basin over the summer. — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026

The haters have hacked the store’s website, harassed its hosts, spread rumors about its owner, and threatened to show up in force in front of its physical store. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for in force

• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce
• indorse
• midcourse
• outsource
• perforce
• racehorse
• remorse
• seahorse
• workforce