forceful

adjective

force·​ful ˈfȯrs-fəl How to pronounce forceful (audio)
: possessing or filled with force : effective
a forceful argument
forcefulness noun

Examples of forceful in a Sentence

He has a very forceful personality. She's a confident and forceful leader. They have made a forceful argument in favor of changing the system. The government has threatened to use more forceful measures if necessary.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, his dominant display at EuroBasket is a forceful reminder to teams around the Association of his potential impact in the playoffs. Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 The drug reduces the forceful heart muscle contractions linked to the condition, Cytokinetics said. Bhanvi Satija, Reuters, 30 Aug. 2025 Other Western leaders were more forceful in their criticism. Molly Hunter, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2025 Trump, meanwhile, used the Alaska meeting to free himself from domestic pressure to impose harsh sanctions on Russian oil or to take other forceful measures. Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Affairs, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forceful

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forceful was in 1571

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Cite this Entry

“Forceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forceful. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

forceful

adjective
force·​ful ˈfōrs-fəl How to pronounce forceful (audio)
ˈfȯrs-
: having or done with much force : vigorous
a forceful speech
forcefully adverb
forcefulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on forceful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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