adjective
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powerful
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persuasive or effective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of forceful
Explanation
Something forceful is strong and firm. A politician's forceful speech is self-assured and energetic, and it makes the audience sit up and take notice. One meaning of forceful is all about physical strength: "The forceful throw carried the football past the goalposts." Another way to be forceful is to be emphatic or vehement: "The child's forceful refusal to go to bed could not be ignored by the sleepy babysitter." Forceful literally means "full of force," and force comes from the Latin fortis, "strong, firm, or steadfast."
Vocabulary lists containing forceful
Stay Strong: Forc and Fort
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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 5
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Vigorous Vocab: Synonyms for "Strong"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Given these changes, it is worth considering whether the Warsh Fed should prepare markets for more forceful and less predictable rate adjustments ahead.
From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026
They are far more likely caused by forceful brushing, acidic drinks and processed diets than by natural chewing forces.
From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026
But inside, in Monroe’s own words, is a forceful argument for her complex humanity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
By late Monday, firefighters were still concerned the heat released by the chemical could still lead to a “less forceful explosion,” Huang said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026
Whitby’s handshake was firm but not forceful, his grip softened by his kidskin gloves.
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
