1
as in compelling
having the power to persuade
made a very forceful argument against going to war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aggressive
marked by or uttered with forcefulness
kept asking until I gave a very forceful and blunt "no"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in strong
not showing weakness or uncertainty
took a forceful stand on the highly controversial issue
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
The July 4 Texas flooding has now claimed over 100 lives, with even more still missing as searches continue along the Guadalupe River where forceful floodwaters washed out structures and vegetation.
—
Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 9 July 2025
Now, as the president considers more forceful action against Russia, his party is sifting through signals of his future direction — even as Trump follows the truism that presidents’ foreign policy rarely conforms to a single identity.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 July 2025
Siegel took on police departments, helping to secure multi-million dollar settlements for Black Lives Matter protesters who were met with a forceful police response during the 2020 demonstrations that followed the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
—Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 7 July 2025
But the Chinese leader’s quick, forceful response—raising tariffs on U.S. goods to 125 percent and imposing export restrictions on critical rare-earth minerals and magnets—suggests such blunt, coercive tactics are unlikely to work.
—William Hurst, Foreign Affairs, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for forceful
Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 9 July 2025
Now, as the president considers more forceful action against Russia, his party is sifting through signals of his future direction — even as Trump follows the truism that presidents’ foreign policy rarely conforms to a single identity.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 July 2025
Siegel took on police departments, helping to secure multi-million dollar settlements for Black Lives Matter protesters who were met with a forceful police response during the 2020 demonstrations that followed the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
—Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 7 July 2025
But the Chinese leader’s quick, forceful response—raising tariffs on U.S. goods to 125 percent and imposing export restrictions on critical rare-earth minerals and magnets—suggests such blunt, coercive tactics are unlikely to work.
—William Hurst, Foreign Affairs, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for forceful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forceful
Adjective
-
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 In his statement, Lawn went on to reaffirm the company’s commitment to safety.—
Maria Pasquini,
People.com,
25 July 2025
-
Whether through cultural celebration or a tribute to urban sports culture, the July drops reflect Tier’s evolving mission: to create pieces that are both visually compelling and grounded in meaning.—
Essence,
Essence,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Chantel’s aggressive, no-nonsense delivery clashed with Jackie’s passive-deflective tone, turning what could’ve been a breakthrough into yet another blow-up.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
22 July 2025
-
Sadly, Minx was soon diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.—
Staff Author,
People.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
For decades since then, Argentinian artists like José Muñoz have been among the most important and influential cartoonists in the world.—
Alex Dueben
July 21,
Literary Hub,
21 July 2025
-
After all, such influential MAGA voices as Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon had been insisting for years that Epstein's suicide was suspicious and his powerful associates hidden.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
How Companies Are Using AI One of the most convincing arguments for AI is its capacity to improve efficiency.—
Carmen Skipworth,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
His impersonation is so convincing that Lu and Shin are initially fooled.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
The 27-year-old has an emphatic game, which should play well in front of a crowd that figures to be favoring the hometown star.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
16 July 2025
-
The emphatic victory over Juventus means City topped its Club World Cup group with three wins from three games and will face Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the last 16 on Tuesday in Orlando.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
During a vigorous cross examination, prosecutors parsed through his story, questioning him on his history with police officers.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
18 July 2025
-
Adults should engage in 150 minutes of moderate physical activity — like walking, dancing or gardening — or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week, Makarem added.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
16 July 2025
Adjective
-
The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
14 July 2025
-
As mild-mannered Clark Kent and his powerful alter ego, who'd regularly save his pals Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, Reeves brought likability, honesty and an authoritative streak to the role that changed his life. 1.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forceful. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share