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

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

But despite the forceful language, the measures appear unlikely to pass and have been dismissed by Israel as "morally and politically distorted".

Read more on BBC

The party failed to mount a forceful, ideas-driven opposition and a compelling narrative that will convince voters the party is on their side.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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