adj
Very common
forced
fawst
Forced (adj) means Done unwillingly or under pressure, rather than naturally. Example: “They exchanged a few forced pleasantries before the awkward meeting began.”
adj
1
Done unwillingly or under pressure, rather than naturally.
"They exchanged a few forced pleasantries before the awkward meeting began."
"He gave a forced smile despite feeling miserable."
"The confession was later found to be forced."
How to use forced
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that doesn't feel natural because it was pushed or pressured into happening.
Common pairings
forced smile
forced laugh
forced landing
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more forced
- Superlative
- most forced
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They exchanged a few _____ pleasantries before the awkward meeting began.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for forced
See all rhymes for forced →Frequently asked questions
What does “forced” mean?
The word “forced” means done unwillingly or under pressure, rather than naturally. In plain terms, something that doesn't feel natural because it was pushed or pressured into happening.
How do you pronounce “forced”?
“Forced” is pronounced fawst (/fɔɹst/ in IPA).
How do you use “forced” in a sentence?
Here is “forced” used in a sentence: “He gave a forced smile despite feeling miserable.”
What is another word for “forced”?
Words with a similar meaning to “forced” include forcible.
What part of speech is “forced”?
“Forced” is an adjective.
Is “forced” a common word?
“Forced” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between forced and voluntary?
They are opposites. Forced means done unwillingly, under pressure or compulsion from someone or something else. Voluntary means done freely, by your own choice, without pressure. A forced apology is given because someone had to; a voluntary apology is offered because the person genuinely wanted to give it.
What does a forced smile mean?
A forced smile is one that does not come naturally. Instead of reflecting real happiness, it is produced on purpose, often to hide discomfort or to appear polite. Because the feeling behind it is missing, a forced smile usually looks strained or stiff rather than warm and genuine.
Can something be forced without physical force?
Yes. Force here often means pressure rather than physical strength. People can be forced into decisions by threats, deadlines, money worries, or social expectation. A forced confession, for example, may be pushed out by intimidation rather than violence. The key idea is that free choice has been removed.
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