forceful 1 of 2

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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forcefulness

2 of 2

noun

1
as in effectiveness
the capacity to persuade the forcefulness of his argument is indisputable

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2
as in impact
the quality of an utterance that provokes interest and produces an effect delivered the punch line with appropriate forcefulness

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3
as in intensity
the quality or state of being forceful (as in expression) her clenched teeth only added to the forcefulness of her words

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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
Adjective
Ever since the administration pulled back on its most aggressive immigration-enforcement actions following the January killings in Minneapolis, key MAGA voices have urged a return to more forceful tactics as a way to restore the base’s faith. — Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 15 July 2026 Officials said the collision was forceful enough to push the unoccupied vehicle completely into the adjacent parking stall. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Noun
While most players publicly say they don’t wish to be traded, there was a forcefulness in Rust’s tone when the topic would arise. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026 Michael is stunned by the usually reclusive Creed's sudden forcefulness. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 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
  • In some ways, watching this late-career Messi has become just as compelling an experience as watching the one who recorded a quite absurd 91 goals and 22 assists for Barcelona and Argentina in 2012.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • This analysis makes up the most compelling part of the book, which is written in a kind of structureless, hybrid blogger-academic style, and otherwise tends to bog down in confusing digressions.
    — Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 19 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
  • After a strong start to the tournament, the reigning champions teetered on the brink of elimination throughout the knockout stage, trailing Egypt and England until the closing stages, needing extra time to overcome Cape Verde and Switzerland.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • The incoming prime minister grew up in the northwest of England, a part of the country where the Catholic Church has traditionally had a strong presence, and his outlook has been shaped by Catholic teaching.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • In March, at a town hall meeting hosted by the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District, some influential Beach figures sharply questioned whether the zoning benefits would be sufficiently generous to lure developers.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Vinod is now widely regarded as one of the most influential innovators and investors in Silicon Valley.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 22 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
  • Torres’ goal was the type of emphatic finish that feels worthy of winning a World Cup final.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Entering her 16th season as coach, Close is emphatic about the importance of process over outcome — or journey over destination — and leaning into the beauty of the grind.
    — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 16 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
  • Fiery Mars activates your 9th House of Exploration, while authoritative Saturn steadies your 7th House of Partnership.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026
  • The result is a transcript that feels authoritative before anyone has verified its accuracy.
    — Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 17 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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