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.
On the other end of the floor, the Knicks were equally as purposeful and forceful. James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Beijing claims sovereignty over most features in the South China Sea, including Second Thomas Shoal, and in 2023 and 2024 took forceful measures—including blockades and water cannons—to obstruct supply missions. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025 According to the family, the Prime Minister’s plea was more forceful this time. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 23 May 2025 Other sleep aids—such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), zolpidem (Ambien), or benzodiazepines like Ativan—can be more forceful at helping users fall asleep. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 23 May 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 8 Jun. 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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