forceful

adjective

force·​ful ˈfȯrs-fəl 

: possessing or filled with force : effective

a forceful argument

forcefulness noun

Synonyms of forceful

• compelling
• convincing
• conclusive
• strong

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

The impact of the crash was so forceful that she was thrown to the other side of the restaurant, while the car continued and crashed through the wall of the burger joint. — Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

There is no question that NATO needs to mount a more forceful response to Moscow’s escalation. — Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026

If the Dolphins 2026 first-round pick can do that — be forceful against a future Hall of Famer — in his third NFL start what’s the ceiling for the former University of Alabama standout? — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026

Tehran is preparing a more forceful response if Washington resumes large-scale strikes, Reuters reported. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

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