1
as in compelling
having the power to persuade
made a very forceful argument against going to war
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aggressive
marked by or uttered with forcefulness
kept asking until I gave a very forceful and blunt "no"
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in strong
not showing weakness or uncertainty
took a forceful stand on the highly controversial issue
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4
as in influential
having power over the minds or behavior of others
a forceful speaker whose words moved the audience to tears
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of forceful
The subpoena comes as the Trump administration has launched a forceful crackdown on immigration in the U.S., targeting both undocumented immigrants and noncitizens with lawful status.
—
Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2025
Dutchman is uninhibited, forceful in its criticisms and condemnations of Black people who refuse to acknowledge the acute pain of racial violence in America.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025
Beijing’s support Pressure has been building on Chinese officials to release more forceful stimulus measures to prop up domestic consumption and the housing sector, while reducing the economy’s reliance on exports and investment.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2025
But after more forceful stimulus was announced late last year, analysts started to predict a bottom could come as soon as later this year.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forceful
Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2025
Dutchman is uninhibited, forceful in its criticisms and condemnations of Black people who refuse to acknowledge the acute pain of racial violence in America.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025
Beijing’s support Pressure has been building on Chinese officials to release more forceful stimulus measures to prop up domestic consumption and the housing sector, while reducing the economy’s reliance on exports and investment.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2025
But after more forceful stimulus was announced late last year, analysts started to predict a bottom could come as soon as later this year.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forceful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forceful
Adjective
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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These women, all layered and compelling in their own ways, wield power differently.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There are also more aggressive interventions for people with severe allergies who don’t respond to other medicines like desensitization therapy, also known as allergy shots.—
Umair Irfan,
Wired News,
5 Apr. 2025
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The two were very aggressive from the start of the fight, with a lot of output.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.—
Elliot Hughes,
Journal Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2023
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This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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The claim filed by Brian Marvel of the Peace Officers Research Association of California, or PORAC, a politically influential trade association that advocates for law enforcement officers across the state, accuses DeMaio of mishandling campaign donations to the political action committee.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2025
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The 404 Collective was formed by some of Atlanta’s most influential voices, bringing together leaders from marketing, music, and cultural movements to shape the city's creative landscape.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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For years, getting travelers to see Athens as more than a transient city would take some convincing; the extent of their stay at the best hotels in Athens would merely include a brief bucket-list visit to the Acropolis before scurrying off to the Greek islands.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2025
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Some scammers go all the way to produce convincing looking alternatives to pages for organizations that seem so real, like a courier service.—
Lars Daniel,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The former 154-pound champion started putting the building blocks back in place to make a run back at a world title with an emphatic fourth-round TKO win over Joey Spencer.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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Houston was plenty impressive in its own right last weekend, squeaking by Purdue (4) before suffocating Tennessee (2) in an emphatic 69-50 Elite Eight win.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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These look sporty and have high side bolsters, which keep you firmly in place during vigorous driving.—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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Seedlings seem susceptible to diseases and not vigorous enough to form the new turf.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Leadership is often associated with grand speeches, authoritative presence and a commanding voice.—
Mohammad Bahareth,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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There are lots of ways to be an authoritative parent, which can leave moms and dads (but mostly moms) feeling rudderless.—
Gail Cornwall,
The Atlantic,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forceful. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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