forcible
Americanadjective
-
done or effected by force.
forcible entry into a house.
-
producing a powerful effect; having force; effective.
-
convincing, as reasoning.
a forcible theory.
-
characterized by the use of force or violence.
adjective
-
done by, involving, or having force
-
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; 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.
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 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
While announcing the suspension, NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan sent a letter to James, saying the Chargers team captain lowered his head and made forcible contact with Freiermuth.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2024
Many of the cases involved the forcible repatriation of Cambodians, with the suspected involvement of Cambodian security personnel.
From Seattle Times • May 16, 2024
The forcible recalling was simply an unpleasant memory.
From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
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.
