tour de force

noun

ˌtu̇r-də-ˈfȯrs 

plural tours de force ˌtu̇r-də-ˈfȯrs 

: a feat or display of strength, skill, or ingenuity

the movie is a comic tour de force

Synonyms of tour de force

• feat
• deed
• achievement
• performance
• stunt

Examples of tour de force in a Sentence

The book is a tour de force.

Her performance in the play was a real tour de force.

Recent Examples on the Web

Key to this is Fiennes’ commando performance, a tour de force with so few f*cks given that the film’s astonishing, electrifying climax could put him back into the awards conversation with a part that couldn’t be farther away from Conclave’s Cardinal Thomas. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026

But when his murder is revealed at breakfast, Candiace (who was hoping and praying for his death) delivers a tour de force performance. —Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026

The all-new JPOD turns an everyday Jeep Wrangler into an all-out tour de force of overland exploration. —New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2025

Happening March 13-15 at the city’s Moody Amphitheater, the event will feature a tour de force of headlining performances from hip-hop titan Don Toliver on March 13, corridos star Junior H on March 14 and Dutch electronic phenom Mau P on March 15. —Katie Bain, Billboard, 10 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tour de force

• counterforce
• intercourse
• nonrecourse
• reinforce
• watercourse
• bourse
• coarse
• course
• gorse
• hoarse
• horse
• norse