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 includes a forcible rape arrest in Missouri in 2006. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 25 June 2026

Kevin Lemar Davis, 46, was convicted of forcible rape by a jury May 12. — Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026

The murder of the pregnant person and forcible removal of a fetus from their uterus is the culmination of a crime that took extensive planning. — Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026

His consequential legacy of public service is marred by his forcible removal of Native Americans. — Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 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