forcible

adjective

Definition of forciblenext
as in forceful

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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 forcible Weeks later, he was charged in a separate case with second-degree forcible rape, The Charlotte Observer reported at the time. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2026 The law came in response to the historic genocide against Indigenous peoples, the forcible removal from their ancestral lands and widespread plunder of Indian grave sites by European settlers, the American government and zealous archaeologists. — Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2026 Over the 300 years of its existence, the Ghetto became a byword for the forcible segregation of Jewish communities. — Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026 The driver was found guilty at trial in June of kidnapping, rape and forcible penetration by use of a foreign object. — Idaho Statesman, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forcible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forcible
  1. forceful
  2. powerful
  3. potent
  4. mighty
  5. muscular
Adjective
  • The operation comes days before Israel’s election, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and right-wing ministers vow forceful action and demolition of Palestinian buildings.
    — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Anderson’s cover is string-heavy and tropical in nature, but where Buffett sang it with a forceful voice, Anderson goes for soft and understated, allowing both men’s versions to stand distinctly on their own.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of forceful
Adjective
  • Pacific Fusion also aims to create a fusion reaction an order of magnitude more powerful than those at the national lab facilities.
    — Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Zuckerberg and Wang want Muse Wonder and the more powerful Muse Wonder Full to drive Muse, Meta’s personal AI agent, which can act on people’s behalf.
    — Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of powerful
Adjective
  • That's a big deal, considering the potent ingredients in its lineup.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This season, the Bruins have a potent rushing game, a dynamic new starting quarterback and defense that has delivered explosive plays.
    — Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of potent
Adjective
  • China is no stranger to powerful quakes, especially in southwestern parts of the country where the Eurasian tectonic plate meets the Indian plate, a dramatic collision that creates the mighty Himalayas and the vast Tibetan plateau.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
  • On the east bank of the mighty Nile is Luxor, the great city of the living, with its massive temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of mighty
Adjective
  • Coming in the next issue, our White House correspondent Linda Feldmann reports on why that muscular approach – supported by his loyal base – might continue regardless of who wins control of Congress.
    — Mark Trumbull, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The team revised Rotta’s face and coloring to bring him closer to Jabba while refining his muscular physique.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of muscular

Browse Nearby Words

forces
forcible
forcibly
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Cite this Entry

“Forcible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forcible. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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