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
- forcibility noun
- forcibleness noun
- forcibly adverb
- unforcible adjective
- unforcibleness noun
Etymology
Origin of forcible
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French; 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.
Noriega also argued his forcible military abduction violated international law and the Panamanian government’s sovereignty, thereby depriving courts of jurisdiction.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026
The play violated an NFL rule prohibiting the use of any part of the helmet or facemask to initiate forcible contact to an opponent’s head or neck area.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 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
Judge John Kane in Pennsylvania condemned as insurrectionists those who “counsel and instigate others to acts of forcible oppugnation to the provisions of a statute.”
From Slate • Feb. 8, 2024
“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.
