forcible

adjective

forc·​ible ˈfȯr-sə-bəl How to pronounce forcible (audio)
Synonyms of forciblenext
1
: effected by force used against opposition or resistance
2
: characterized by force, efficiency, or energy : powerful
forcibleness noun
forcibly
ˈfȯr-sə-blē How to pronounce forcible (audio)
adverb

Examples of forcible in a Sentence

the forcible removal of the rioters
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.
Attorneys for both Morrow and Stanley maintain that the misdemeanor charges for forcible assault should be thrown out, too. — Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026 The property has to be empty of tenants to finalize the deal, and residents may face forcible eviction. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 As the army chief, Mladić was the main architect of a brutal campaign of ethnic cleansing, directly overseeing widespread and indiscriminate killing, deportations and forcible transfers of civilians. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 McGregor has prior convictions — for forcible rape in 2005 and bank robbery in 2013 — that could have been used to beef up his sentence even more. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forcible

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forcible was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing forcible

Rhymes for forcible

See All Rhymes for forcible

Browse Nearby Words

forcibility
forcible
forcible entry
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Cite this Entry

“Forcible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forcible. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

forcible

adjective
forc·​i·​ble
ˈfōr-sə-bəl, 
ˈfȯr-
1
: got, made, or done by force or violence
a forcible entrance
2
: forceful
forcibly
-blē
adverb

Legal Definition

forcible

adjective
for·​ci·​ble ˈfȯr-sə-bəl How to pronounce forcible (audio)
: effected by force or threat of force used against opposition or resistance
a forcible felony
forcibly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on forcible

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for forcible

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