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.
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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.
Too often, the forceful arguments of Rankine and her peers—and the electric anger of the George Floyd protests—were used by the opportunistic and aggrieved to justify abrupt changes to unprepared institutions. — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 Certain repetitive bending, twisting or forceful movements may not be advisable. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 28 Aug. 2026 Miami’s five starters on the offensive line are solid, and have the potential to become a forceful run blocking unit, especially the left side of Patrick Paul and 2026 first-round pick Kadyn Proctor. — Omar Kelly august 23, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026 Around a third of Canadians favor a forceful response to Washington’s threats, according to a poll, and only 18% want to offer concessions like ending provincial bans on American alcohol. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 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

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forceful
forcefully
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Cite this Entry

“Forceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forceful. Accessed 1 Sep. 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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