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

Betancourt has 10 prior arrests, including for strangulation, petit larceny, assault on a police officer and forcible touching. —Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 25 June 2025

Hajime has also signed on to a controversial redevelopment of one of Tokyo’s city parks, an ambitious exercise in cutting-edge urban design that will also entail the forcible removal of a large group of unhoused people. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025

Sarabia, 41, pleaded no contest to charges of forcible rape, lewd acts with a minor under 14, kidnapping and forcible oral copulation. —Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025

Human rights—such as the right to a fair trial, access to asylum, legal representation, and protection from torture or forcible removal to a country where a person may face harm—are guaranteed under both U.S. and international law. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 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