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

This incident led to the felony forcible penetration charge. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 2025

Joseph was originally charged with forcible oral copulation, false imprisonment, and assault. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025

In America, little attention has been paid to the practice of forcible organ harvesting. —Cory Franklin, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025

Russia's forcible transfer and reeducation of Ukrainian children, and in some cases militarization of them, is occurring at a much larger scale than was previously known, the lab's investigators found. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025

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