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 Abu Sitta has become one of the most prolific chroniclers of the ongoing Palestinian Nakba and one of the most forceful advocates for Palestinian return. — Literary Hub, 16 July 2026 The Pilsen alderman representing the 25th Ward, known for his left-wing politics and forceful speeches, called on the board to reject the recommendation. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2026 Brook Lopez was a forceful rim defender, and provided three-point spacing. — Omar Kelly july 16, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 Wilson, a former one-and-done college player at North Carolina, on Monday was the talk of the summer league after slamming down a forceful one-handed dunk in the fourth quarter. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 15 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
  • My preference is for trips that combine these highlight destinations with lesser known, but perhaps more compelling places.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
  • According to Fleming, Washington understood that institutional survival depends on relationships, persuasion, strategy, and a compelling account of what an institution could accomplish.
    — Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of compelling
Adjective
  • And this sort of confrontation has become more common in recent years as Beijing has taken a more aggressive stance.
    — Ivan Watson, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • By balancing strict fiscal management with an aggressive plan to diversify support and expand with new donors, the organization aims to ensure long-term stability while continuing to deliver high-quality artistic programming to Charlotte.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso July 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • This is a strong day to pitch, perform, flirt, draft, or share something that feels alive.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
  • While heavy foreign equity selling earlier this year weighed on the won, Goldman said those outflows have slowed, allowing the currency's strong external fundamentals to reassert themselves.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • With the rise of modern conservatism in the ’70s and ’80s, Main said influential figures on the right began to approach politics as war.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • In just a few years, TikTok Shop went from an experimental social commerce platform to one of beauty’s most influential discovery engines and a fast-growing sales channel.
    — Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of influential
Adjective
  • Although there were some early signs of weaker fuel consumption in lower-income Asian economies as the conflict began, that argument appears less convincing in the United States.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 23 July 2026
  • Many analysts suggest the failure stemmed from Syrskyi convincing Zelensky that a simultaneous push against the eastern city of Bakhmut and the Zaporizhzhia front in the south would split Russia’s defenses.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of convincing
Adjective
  • 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
  • The Ivorian’s ascent has been frighteningly quick, crashing his way through European football in a whirlwind of zig-zagging runs and emphatic finishes.
    — David Ornstein, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of emphatic
Adjective
  • Since the sugar is not normally found in blood, some people’s immune systems recognize it as foreign and mount a vigorous defense to eliminate it by producing antibodies to alpha gal.
    — Alice Park, Time, 23 July 2026
  • The Harvard Health guidance is specific — avoid vigorous activity in the hour before bed.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
Definition of vigorous
Adjective
  • The database serves as the government’s authoritative public record of war dead.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 24 July 2026
  • Institutions must determine which information sources are authoritative, establish processes for keeping content current, define ownership of knowledge across departments and create standards for how information is shared between systems.
    — Chase Williams, Forbes.com, 23 July 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 30 Jul. 2026.

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