1
as in compelling
having the power to persuade
made a very forceful argument against going to war
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aggressive
marked by or uttered with forcefulness
kept asking until I gave a very forceful and blunt "no"
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in strong
not showing weakness or uncertainty
took a forceful stand on the highly controversial issue
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in influential
having power over the minds or behavior of others
a forceful speaker whose words moved the audience to tears
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of forceful
Tatum also bullied his way through Magic guard Cole Anthony on a first-quarter layup and leaped to his feet instantly after being knocked to the floor by a Caldwell-Pope foul (a less forceful version of the takedown that caused Tatum’s injury in Game 1).
—
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
To answer your question, a lot of people were relieved to see this forceful approach.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2025
The government's most forceful request is for Judge Mehta to order the tech company to sell off its popular Chrome browser.
—Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 21 Apr. 2025
Trump has promised more forceful use of the death penalty, particularly in cases against undocumented immigrants and even in cases where the defendant isn’t accused of murder.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forceful
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
To answer your question, a lot of people were relieved to see this forceful approach.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2025
The government's most forceful request is for Judge Mehta to order the tech company to sell off its popular Chrome browser.
—Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 21 Apr. 2025
Trump has promised more forceful use of the death penalty, particularly in cases against undocumented immigrants and even in cases where the defendant isn’t accused of murder.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forceful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forceful
Adjective
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Major gift programs in particular rely on an executive director or CEO communicating a compelling vision for the future in one-to-one and small group settings.—
Victoria Burkhart,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Even so, the aggressive play in this post-season has stood out.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
11 May 2025
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However, thanks to aggressive conservation efforts, including predator control programs, habitat restoration, and breeding initiatives, several kiwi species have seen rebounds.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
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According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.—
Elliot Hughes,
Journal Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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The Liverpool academy graduate, then 24, had spoken publicly about his desire to one day captain his boyhood club and had become an increasingly influential and vocal presence in the dressing room.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
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Second: Pick up a piece of paper and write down the five people outside your immediate family that have been the most influential people in your life.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Drucker is able to conjure a frosty authority that is entirely convincing, while simultaneously hinting at vulnerabilities that nobody within the narrative is allowed to see.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
15 May 2025
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After a convincing defeat to a team looking to get back to the Cup Final, the question is, how close is Vegas’ championship window to closing?—
Jesse Granger,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Since his emphatic win at Oak Hill two years ago, Brooks Koepka has failed to post a top-10 at a major championship.—
Kevin Sabet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
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However, Lincoln-Sudbury had an answer, and an emphatic one at that as goaltender Rex Garozzo jogged up the field with possession.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, Carroll Gardens has been swept up in the vigorous market for Brooklyn townhouses in general — contract signings were up 11 percent last year, according to Serhant.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
8 May 2025
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The paddling intensity will be vigorous, so participants should be experienced, wear clothing appropriate for weather conditions and bring water.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 May 2025
Adjective
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With a versatile and emotionally resonant voice, he’s known for delivering the smooth sophistication of jazz and the commanding presence needed for authoritative reads.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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When executed well, a strong content strategy creates a consistent, authoritative presence that builds both trust and familiarity, inviting potential clients to take the next step.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forceful. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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