forceful

[fawrs-fuhl, fohrs-]

adjective

1. full of force; powerful; vigorous; effective.

   a forceful plea for peace.

   Synonyms: telling, cogent

2. acting or driven with force.

forceful

/ ˈfɔːsfʊl /

adjective

1. powerful

2. persuasive or effective

Other Word Forms

• forcefulness noun
• forcefully adverb
• unforceful adjective
• unforcefully adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of forceful¹

First recorded in 1565–75; force + -ful

Example Sentences

MIT is among the first to express forceful views against agreement the White House billed as providing “multiple positive benefits.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Officials don’t appear to be worried yet, offering little sign that the government is preparing to launch more forceful stimulus measures.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

At the time, it was one of China’s most forceful moves against a foreign company.

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In forceful speeches, University of Southern California department chairs, professors, researchers and others who attended the virtual meeting called the compact “egregiously invalid,” “probably unconstitutional,” “antithetical to principles of academic freedom” and “a Trojan horse.”

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Longtime Los Angeles Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission chair Robert Bonner said he was ousted this summer as he and his commission made a forceful push for more transparency.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cogent 
• commanding 
• compelling 
• convincing 
• dynamic 
• energetic 
• forcible 
• persuasive 
• strong 
• vehement 
• vigorous 
• violent