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 After spending close to seven years in prison, Weinstein, 74, has still served less than half of his 16-year-sentence in California, where he was found guilty of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation and penetration by foreign object against Jane Doe 1. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026 This includes a forcible rape arrest in Missouri in 2006. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 25 June 2026 His consequential legacy of public service is marred by his forcible removal of Native Americans. — Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 Alameda County prosecutors charged Durisseau with forcible rape and kidnapping enhancements in January. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for forcible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forcible
  1. forceful
  2. powerful
  3. potent
  4. mighty
  5. muscular
Adjective
  • Andrew Raftery Two forceful exhibitions have shown how Indian artists and presses met the cultural upheaval of the nineteenth century with lithographic prints that rendered Hindu gods more approachable and helped to galvanize national identity.
    — The New York Review of Books, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
  • His sending-off yesterday after opening the scoring in an impressive, if scrappy, round-of-32 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina was arguably less forceful than Lionel Messi’s unpunished challenge in Argentina’s opening match.
    — David Hickey, NBC news, 2 July 2026
Definition of forceful
Adjective
  • New York — The stocks that have fueled Wall Street’s powerful AI rally are suddenly under pressure as investors evaluate rising tensions in the Middle East, take profits after a historic run and reassess where to find value.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Definition of powerful
Adjective
  • Last year, Alpine CEO Philippe Krief told Road & Track that the automaker was targeting an output of 464 hp for the A110 Future, which gives it more than 100 horses more than the most potent model from the car’s second generation, the A110 R Ultime.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 July 2026
  • Mbappé is a better player (at least with the national team), Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé certainly is, and the addition of Michael Olise has created perhaps the most potent attack in the world.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
Definition of potent
Adjective
  • Small but mighty, Franklin Regional creates a connected learning journey that supports students from their earliest years through graduation.
    — Tiffany Thenor, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • According to the ancient Greeks, a mighty serpent called Ophion incubated an enormous egg that hatched into the universe and all its inhabitants.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Definition of mighty
Adjective
  • Maybe your goal is to build more muscular power with moves like kettlebell swings and power cleans.
    — Jennifer Heimlich, Time, 6 July 2026
  • Their stomachs function more like large, expandable bags rather than tight muscular containers.
    — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on forcible

Nglish: Translation of forcible for Spanish Speakers

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