force
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for force, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Strength or power exerted to move, influence, or affect something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use force
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French force, from Late Latin fortia, derived from Latin fortis, meaning "strong."
Full origin of force →Frequently asked questions
What does “force” mean?
The word “force” means strength or power exerted to move, influence, or affect something. In plain terms, power or strength used to move, change, or compel something — or a group like an army or police force.
How do you pronounce “force”?
“Force” is pronounced faws (/foɹs/ in IPA).
How do you use “force” in a sentence?
Here is “force” used in a sentence: “The force of the explosion shattered every window nearby.”
What part of speech is “force”?
Depending on how it is used, “force” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “force” come from?
The word “force” comes from Late Latin. From Old French force, from Late Latin fortia, derived from Latin fortis, meaning "strong.".
Is “force” a common word?
“Force” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “force” have?
“Force” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: strength or power exerted to move, influence, or affect something.
What is the difference between force and power?
Force is the push or pull that moves or changes an object, measured in newtons. Power is the rate at which energy is used or work is done, measured in watts. In everyday speech the two overlap as "strength," but in physics they describe different quantities — force acts, while power measures how fast.
What are the types of force?
In physics, common forces include gravity, friction, tension, and the electromagnetic and nuclear forces. More broadly, "force" also describes non-physical pressure — political force, market forces, or the force of an argument. So the word spans literal pushes and pulls as well as influence that shapes decisions and events.
Can force be measured?
Yes. Physical force is measured in newtons, where one newton is the force needed to accelerate one kilogram by one metre per second squared. Instruments such as force gauges and load cells quantify it directly. Figurative force — the persuasive weight of an idea — is judged rather than precisely measured.
What is an example of force?
Pushing a door open, gravity pulling an apple to the ground, or wind driving a sail are all examples of physical force. Figuratively, the force of public opinion or the force of someone's personality shows the word applied to influence. Each case involves power exerted to move or affect something.