forcible

adjective

forc·​ible ˈfȯr-sə-bəl How to pronounce forcible (audio)
1
: effected by force used against opposition or resistance
2
: characterized by force, efficiency, or energy : powerful
forcibleness noun
forcibly adverb

Examples of forcible in a Sentence

the forcible removal of the rioters
Recent Examples on the Web These forcible abductions and detentions, which violate international law, have systematically been used as a counterinsurgency tool by Pakistan’s security forces since the 1980s. Sarah Khan, Foreign Affairs, 5 Mar. 2024 Douglas County authorities announced Wednesday that three men have been arrested and indicted on first-degree murder, forcible rape and first-degree kidnapping charges in the 1989 killing of 24-year-old Kelle Ann Workman. CBS News, 23 Feb. 2024 But this week, authorities announced that three men had been arrested and indicted on charges of first-degree murder, forcible rape and first-degree kidnapping, the Associated Press reports. Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024 Greg Jimenez was found guilty of three counts of lewd acts on a child and nine counts of forcible lewd acts on a child. Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 13 Feb. 2024 For instance, programs such as forest conservation projects must not involve forcible displacement and should include provisions that compensate communities that have been deprived of a potential source of income. Rachel Glennerster, Foreign Affairs, 14 Feb. 2024 First, the clause does not limit the occasion for forcible state action without congressional consent to invasion. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 27 Jan. 2024 Olmedo also referenced the divorce proceedings between Masterson and Bijou Phillips, who filed for divorce less than two weeks after the actor was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison after being found guilty of two counts of forcible rape. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 25 Jan. 2024 One of the causes of McClain's death, in addition to the ketamine, was forcible restraint, according to the autopsy. Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 2 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'forcible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forcible was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near forcible

Cite this Entry

“Forcible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forcible. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

forcible

adjective
forc·​i·​ble
ˈfōr-sə-bəl,
ˈfȯr-
1
: got, made, or done by force or violence
a forcible entrance
2
forcibly
-blē
adverb

Legal Definition

forcible

adjective
for·​ci·​ble ˈfȯr-sə-bəl How to pronounce forcible (audio)
: effected by force or threat of force used against opposition or resistance
a forcible felony
forcibly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on forcible

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