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.
Authorities say the men have been arrested on suspicion of forcible obstruction of business. Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026 The two Americans face charges of forcible obstruction of business, the Ichikawa Police Department told the AFP. Greta Cross, USA Today, 18 May 2026 Another survey from mid-2025 commissioned by Pennsylvania State University, conducted by Geocartography, an Israeli polling firm, and published by liberal newspaper Haaretz, showed that 82% of Israeli Jews supported the forcible expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. Shira Pinson, NBC news, 17 May 2026 In California, a jury in 2023 found Weinstein guilty of three counts — forcible rape, forcible oral copulation and penetration by foreign object — against Jane Doe 1. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 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 31 May. 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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