forcible
Americanadjective
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done or effected by force.
forcible entry into a house.
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producing a powerful effect; having force; effective.
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convincing, as reasoning.
a forcible theory.
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characterized by the use of force or violence.
adjective
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done by, involving, or having force
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convincing or effective
a forcible argument
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of forcible
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French; see force, -ible
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.
The two men face charges of forcible obstruction of business, which they refute, the police official said.
From Barron's • May 18, 2026
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that a forcible U.S. annexation of an ally’s territory would be the end of NATO.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026
The mayor denounced the forcible removal of Sen. Alex Padilla from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference earlier in the day.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2025
The UN human rights office warned that any forcible transfer in, or deportation of, people from occupied territory was strictly prohibited under international law.
From BBC • Feb. 10, 2025
“In short,” Lazlo concluded, “the purpose of this delegation is to persuade the seraphim to be on their way. Politely, of course. Failing that: forcible eviction.”
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
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.
