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

That would likely amount to their forcible displacement and exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis. —Arkansas Online, 6 May 2025

Azeem, who was arrested in Midtown Thursday, was ordered held without bail on charges including rape and forcible touching by Judge Kacie Lally during his arraignment Friday. —Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025

States have never consistently complied with the rule, enshrined in the UN Charter in response to Nazi Germany’s swallowing other countries whole during World War II, that proscribed the forcible seizure of another state’s territory. —Tanisha M. Fazal, Foreign Affairs, 21 Mar. 2025

Now, a jury has found Stephen Earl Guice, 51, of Seaside, guilty of forcible rape and false imprisonment stemming from the April incident, the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office said in Feb. 3 news release. —Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 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