forceful

adjective

force·​ful ˈfȯrs-fəl How to pronounce forceful (audio)
Synonyms of forcefulnext
: possessing or filled with force : effective
a forceful argument
forcefulness noun

Synonyms of forceful

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Examples of forceful in a Sentence

He has a very forceful personality. She's a confident and forceful leader. They have made a forceful argument in favor of changing the system. The government has threatened to use more forceful measures if necessary.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The special forces arrived a day after Salvadorean President Nayib Bukele announced a military operation to rescue the four aviation technicians and threatened a more forceful response if they’re not released alive and unharmed. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 Virginia officials react A forceful advocate of legalizing marijuana, Lucas partnered in opening the shop, The Cannabis Outlet, in 2021. — Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 The measures come in the wake of the forceful protests that have rocked France in recent days. — News Desk, Artforum, 21 Oct. 2026 The comments appeared to be the most forceful Musk has made publicly. — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forceful

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forceful was in 1571

Rhymes for forceful

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Browse Nearby Words

force fit
forceful
forcefully
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Cite this Entry

“Forceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forceful. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

forceful

adjective
force·​ful ˈfōrs-fəl How to pronounce forceful (audio)
ˈfȯrs-
: having or done with much force : vigorous
a forceful speech
forcefully
-fə-lē How to pronounce forceful (audio)
adverb
forcefulness noun
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