adjective
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powerful
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persuasive or effective
Other Word 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.
A forceful nuclear push by state utility commissions and federal agencies will also be required because regulated utility executives are risk-averse, and having regulators’ support will help them make investment decisions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026
Reflecting on any future potential mayoral candidates, she said: "I don't know whether the new candidate will be as forceful as he was."
From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026
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
These are very common in modern dentistry and often linked to tooth grinding, forceful brushing, or acidic drinks.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 8, 2026
“Please leave him alone,” she said in a forceful whisper, and then to the little boy, softly, “You don’t have to answer.”
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
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.
