forceful

adjective

ˈfȯrs-fəl How to pronounce forceful (audio)
Definition of forcefulnext
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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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of forceful Her candidacy has also annoyed some police critics who remain angry about the forceful Occupy response in 2011. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 After all, one of the most forceful elements of our free society is precisely our discontent with our own shortcomings. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 Quite likely, this simply reflects the forceful corporate-earnings momentum working its way through analysts' stock-valuation models. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 23 June 2026 Keep in mind, however, that what is considered challenging varies by person—for some, a run or a forceful stair climb can provide that stimulus, while for others, walking can be enough. — Currie Engel, Health, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for forceful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forceful
  1. compelling
  2. aggressive
  3. strong
  4. influential
  5. convincing
  6. emphatic
  7. vigorous
  8. authoritative
Adjective
  • True, nothing so grand as a massive dragon and naval battle took place, but seeing Rhaenyra start to change into someone almost unrecognizable from her younger, more innocent self was compelling in a deeper way.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • 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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of compelling
Adjective
  • Jones more aggressive Jones’ three appearances in the California Classic were defined by a passive way of playing.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 July 2026
  • Your dog is reactive or aggressive around other animals or strangers.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • Beyond California, scientists are raising alarms over the planet’s warming oceans, which — coupled with a strong El Niño — could increase temperatures for land dwellers in the coming weeks.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Weather aside, Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Week, running from July 6 to 9, will feature shows from 30 houses, compared with FW25’s 27-strong line-up.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • The 650,000 barrels-a-day Dangote plant produces enough fuel for domestic consumption in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, and is the most influential determinant of pump prices.
    — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
  • Each year, The Hollywood Reporter recognizes the industry’s best and most influential business managers, the professionals who manage the financial lives of entertainment’s most high-profile figures.
    — Claudia Rosenbaum, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
Definition of influential
Adjective
  • The specificity and the completely convincing sense of place that the show evokes are exceptional — and all the more astonishing given that the series only shot for one actual day in Savannah.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
  • Feldman said that evidence about Millete’s suspicious actions from the day after May’s disappearance was the strongest and most convincing.
    — Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of convincing
Adjective
  • With its vivid monsters and an emphatic, complex dive into the human heart, Homer has inspired countless adaptations, from stage, screen, television, comics, alongside a continuous stream of new translations.
    — Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 14 July 2026
  • And the answer to the second, if the World Cup is any indication, is an emphatic no.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
Definition of emphatic
Adjective
  • Lettuce and other leafy foods with multiple layers pose a higher risk of contamination, but with a vigorous wash and peeling the outer layers, even the greens can be saved.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026
Definition of vigorous
Adjective
  • By separating address grouping, attribution, and operator, the proposal addresses a weakness that has long existed in blockchain analytics; confidence can be mistaken for proof especially given the lack of authoritative auditing standards.
    — Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Your 10th House of Career and Status gets a quiet lift from the Moon, which trines authoritative Saturn in your 2nd House of Finances.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2026
Definition of authoritative

Browse Nearby Words

force field
forceful
forcefully
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Cite this Entry

“Forceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forceful. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of forceful for Spanish Speakers

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