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 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.
Alexander William Schecter, 26, was charged with kidnapping to commit another crime, first-degree residential robbery, two counts of forcible oral copulation and forcible rape, all of which are felonies, according to a news release shared by the DA's Office. Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026 On Thursday, he was charged with one count of kidnapping to commit another crime, one count of first degree residential robbery, two counts of forcible oral copulation and one count of rape, according to the criminal complaint. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2026 The defendant, who moved into the facility after identifying as a female in January 2021, was moved to a facility for men after forcible rape charges were filed, according to court documents. ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026 Seals ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of forcible touching and was sentenced to 45 days in jail and six years’ probation, authorities said. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forcible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forcible. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

forcible

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

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