forceful

adjective

force·​ful ˈfȯrs-fəl 

: possessing or filled with force : effective

a forceful argument

forcefulness noun

Synonyms

• cogent
• compelling
• conclusive
• convincing
• decisive
• effective
• persuasive
• satisfying
• strong
• telling

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

Rebuke of Trump: Chief Justice John Roberts rebukes Trump after president calls for US judge's impeachment Supreme Court's liberal justices have been more forceful in taking on Trump Roberts’ comments, however, weren’t as blunt or forceful as those made recently by two of his colleagues. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 9 May 2025

Pakistan promised a forceful response to India’s airstrikes, with security officials telling NBC News that Pakistani forces had already shot down five Indian Air Force planes and one drone. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 7 May 2025

Harriette Cole: Advice to mother who’s done having babies draws forceful response Elder abuse has many forms. —R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025

There won’t be seismic expectations attached to the forceful runner with an enticing one-cut burst. —Ben Standig, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for forceful

• remorseful
• resourceful

Kids Definition

forceful

adjective

force·​ful ˈfōrs-fəl 

ˈfȯrs-

: having or done with much force : vigorous

a forceful speech

forcefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

forcefulness noun