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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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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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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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 This tradition of forceful anti-American sentiment among European intellectuals went into steep decline after the abrupt end of the Cold War in the late Eighties. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 There is not any forceful language that prevents new lawsuits from being filed at schools whose universities are public. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 The sessions proceeded as scheduled and, in the final meeting, Trotsky delivered a forceful and dramatic closing statement. — Literary Hub, 28 July 2026 Banerjee said the lack of a skull fracture finding points away from a more forceful blunt-force injury. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 23 July 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
  • That said, together, the synergy of Venus and Pluto can make an attraction feel more compelling, or perhaps a conversation more intimate than usual.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond gaudy numbers and a long scroll of awards and achievements, Nelson was one of the most colorful and compelling coaches to grace the Bay Area in any professional sport.
    — Carl Steward, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of compelling
Adjective
  • In many cars, an aggressive recuperation pitches the passengers and driver forward.
    — Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Jason Semore’s defenses, with his aggressive 4-2-5 scheme, typically rack up interceptions.
    — Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • Indonesia’s Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency said August and September are expected to be the most critical months as dry vegetation and strong winds create favorable conditions for fires to spread rapidly.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • For someone who is dogmatic, or has a strong commitment to evangelism, this may not be satisfactory.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • Yet, with Morgan Gibbs-White often Forest’s most influential player in the No 10 role, McAtee was limited to a bit-part role last season.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The 78-year-old Larson was poised to be influential inside a potential Democratic majority and has led the party on efforts to expand Social Security benefits and fortify the program into the future.
    — Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of influential
Adjective
  • The Dream bounced back and held off the new-look Mercury on Wednesday night at the Gateway Center Arena, coming away with a convincing 96-82 victory.
    — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • As of late, celebrities of all ages have made a convincing case for low-rise jeans.
    — Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of convincing
Adjective
  • And speaking about his favorite Blue Jays player, Carney delivered an emphatic endorsement of Guerrero amid a harsh season.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The Knicks claiming the 2026 NBA championship in an emphatic 4-1 gentleman’s sweep of the San Antonio Spurs sent the Eastern Conference into a frenzy.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
Definition of emphatic
Adjective
  • For large, mature plants, dividing can also help support vigorous blooming, as overcrowding can negatively impact the plant’s ability to develop blooms.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Varieties like Elberta Peach and Redhaven Peach are popular for their vigorous growth and often produce fruit within the first year under optimal conditions.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 28 July 2026
Definition of vigorous
Adjective
  • Creators are influential but not yet authoritative in the ways that matter for business.
    — Ohad Ben Artzi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Indeed, chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude are simultaneously authoritative-sounding and eager-to-please, a combination that can lead to terrible-yet-seductive advice that many users accept with little to no critical pushback.
    — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 6 Aug. 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of forceful for Spanish Speakers

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