forcible

adjective

forc·​ible ˈfȯr-sə-bəl 

1

: effected by force used against opposition or resistance

2

: characterized by force, efficiency, or energy : powerful

forcibleness noun

forcibly

ˈfȯr-sə-blē 

adverb

Examples of forcible in a Sentence

the forcible removal of the rioters

Recent Examples on the Web

Blackburn first ordered the forcible medication in September 2022. —Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2025

He was paroled in 2017, but was arrested later that same year on four charges of forcible touching, police said. —Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025

The filing claims that each of the brothers has been accused of forcible rape by at least 10 women. —Liam Quinn, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025

His comments on Tuesday raised a host of questions and concerns about the forcible displacement of about two million Palestinians from their land. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing forcible

• forcible entry

Rhymes for forcible

• enforceable
• unenforceable

Kids Definition

forcible

adjective

forc·​i·​ble

ˈfōr-sə-bəl,

ˈfȯr-

1

: got, made, or done by force or violence

a forcible entrance

2

: forceful

forcibly

-blē

adverb

Legal Definition

forcible

adjective

for·​ci·​ble ˈfȯr-sə-bəl 

: effected by force or threat of force used against opposition or resistance

a forcible felony

forcibly adverb