forced

adjective

ˈfȯrst 

1

: compelled by force or necessity : involuntary

a forced landing

2

: done or produced with effort, exertion, or pressure

a forced laugh

forcedly

ˈfȯr-səd-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• compulsory
• imperative
• incumbent
• involuntary
• mandatory
• necessary
• nonelective
• obligatory
• peremptory
• required

Examples of forced in a Sentence

forced payment of membership dues

wasn't thrilled with the suggestion and so responded with a forced smile

Recent Examples on the Web

Fiske began shining for Los Angeles down the stretch; he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month in November, recording 35 tackles, eight tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and five sacks in the month. —David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025

Wallace, who led the team with two forced fumbles, had an up-and-down stint as a starter before going down with a shoulder injury in Week 14. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2025

Vanover had six tackles, two for a loss, a sack and a forced fumble. —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2025

Carter burgeoned into a backfield menace, securing career-highs in tackles for loss (12), pass deflections (6) and quarterback hits (16) while piling on 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. —Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1537, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing forced

• forced labor
• forced perspective

Kids Definition

forced

adjective

ˈfō(ə)rst 

ˈfȯ(ə)rst

1

: caused or brought about by force or necessity : involuntary

made a forced landing

2

: done or produced with effort

a forced laugh