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

Derived Forms

• ˈforcefully, adverb
• ˈforcefulness, noun

Other Words From

• forceful·ly adverb
• forceful·ness noun
• un·forceful adjective
• un·forceful·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of forceful¹

First recorded in 1565–75; force + -ful

Example Sentences

While it’s telling that his label is suspending him “indefinitely,” leaving room for him to return at any time, the instant condemnation from the industry is forceful enough that some in Nashville are skeptical how Wallen can come back from this.

From Washington Post

Being a follower of a fringe-right group like QAnon or Proud Boys isn't inherently illegal — they've done nothing wrong until they become a part of a violent or forceful conspiracy.

From Axios

It requires a combination of forceful behavior and diplomacy.

From Fortune

A day later, she called for a broader, more forceful response.

From Washington Post

Moreover, the trend is further fueled by Washington stepping back from its historic role as a forceful advocate for democracy abroad.

From Ozy

Allen met every one of his arguments with a forceful counterargument.

From The Daily Beast

The further forward bare-boned science goes, however, the more forceful the counter- response.

From The Daily Beast

They were engaged in a forceful and effective campaign to keep this information from Congress, the press and the American people.

From The Daily Beast

Always spare, often forceful, Ryan Adams alternates tough pop songs with tender, unsparing ballads.

From The Daily Beast

For the minority who want conflict, they will get a forceful answer from the Ukrainian authorities.

From The Daily Beast

First of all is the forceful utterance of the stressed syllable; the Provençal has post-tonic syllables, unlike the sister-speech.

From Project Gutenberg

He used forceful language to arouse interest in reforms in which only a minority of the Virginians believed at the time.

From Project Gutenberg

“What right have you or Major Kinnaird——” she began, but Weston checked her with a little forceful gesture.

From Project Gutenberg

Another personality looked out from the deep-set, somnolent, gray eyes; a personality resolute, forceful and quietly alert.

From Project Gutenberg

The subjects are varied, and present Tolstoy's well-known views in his always forceful manner.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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