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Synonyms

forceful

American  
[fawrs-fuhl, fohrs-] / ˈfɔrs fəl, ˈfoʊrs- /

adjective

  1. full of force; powerful; vigorous; effective.

    a forceful plea for peace.
    Synonyms:
    telling, cogent

  2. acting or driven with force.

forceful British  
/ ˈfɔːsfʊl /

adjective

  1. powerful

  2. persuasive or effective

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • forcefully adverb
  • forcefulness noun
  • unforceful adjective
  • unforcefully adverb

Etymology

Origin of forceful

First recorded in 1565–75; force + -ful

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.

It then had a forceful run from 18 to 25 where the handle started.

From Barron's

“If we expect inflation to deviate significantly and persistently from target, the response must be appropriately forceful or persistent,” she said in a speech.

From The Wall Street Journal

With a flourish of her handkerchief and a forceful clearing of her nose, Tante Jans let us know that the moment for sentiment had passed.

From Literature

US diplomatic cables, published by WikiLeaks in the late 2000s, described him as "the power behind the robes" in the regime who was widely regarded as a "capable and forceful leader".

From BBC

“We are entering one of the most decisive and forceful phases against crime in our country,” the spokeswoman said.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.