forceful

1 having the power to persuade made a very forceful argument against going to war Synonyms compelling, conclusive, convincing, decisive, effective, cogent, persuasive, satisfying, strong, tellingRelated Words authoritative, definitive; sound, valid, well-founded; important, significant, weighty; material, pertinent, relevantNear Antonyms groundless, invalid, shaky, unfounded, unsound; inconsequential, insignificant, unimportant; immaterial, irrelevant; feeble, weakAntonyms inconclusive, indecisive, ineffective, uncompelling, unconvincing, unpersuasive

2 marked by or uttered with forcefulness he kept asking me out until I gave him a very forceful and blunt “no” Synonyms aggressive, assertive, dynamic, energetic, emphatic, full-blooded, muscular, resounding, strenuous, vehement, vigorous, violentRelated Words decided, insistent, marked, pointed; absolute, categorical (also categoric), clear, plain, unambiguous, unequivocal; arresting, compelling, conspicuous, impelling, noticeable, strikingNear Antonyms guarded, mild, uncompelling, weak, wishy-washy; ambiguous, equivocal, halting, hesitant; understatedAntonyms nonassertive, nonemphatic, unemphatic

3 not showing weakness or uncertainty took a forceful stand on the highly controversial issue Synonyms firm, hearty, iron, lusty, robust, solid, stout, strong, sturdy, vigorousRelated Words hard, ironclad, mighty, powerful, tough, unyielding; animated, brisk, energetic, frisky, jaunty, jazzy, lively, peppy, perky, spirited, sprightful, sprightly, springy, vital, vivacious, zippy; assured, certain, confident, sanguine, secure, sureNear Antonyms feeble, fragile, frail; limp, listless, spiritless; diffident, insecure, self-doubting; characterless, effete, frail, spineless, weakened, weak-kneed, wimpy, wishy-washyAntonyms uncertain, weak

4 having power over the minds or behavior of others a forceful speaker whose words moved the audience to tears Synonyms authoritative, influential, weightyRelated Words cogent, controlling, dominating, masterful; dominant, predominant, regnant, sovereign (also sovran), supreme; eminent, important, momentousNear Antonyms helpless, impotent, powerless, weak; incapable, unable