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adj

forcible

Forcible (adj) means Done using physical force. Example: “Police found evidence of forcible entry at the scene.”

adj
1
Done using physical force.
"Police found evidence of forcible entry at the scene."
"The rebels staged a forcible takeover of the palace."

How to use forcible

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes something achieved or carried out using physical force.

Common mistake

Forcible describes an action carried out with physical force (forcible entry); forceful describes strength or intensity more generally (a forceful speech).

Easily confused with
Common pairings
forcible entry forcible removal

Word forms

more forcible comparative, most forcible superlative

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Police found evidence of _____ entry at the scene.

Etymology

From Old French forcible, from forcier ("to conquer by force"), plus the suffix -ible.

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for forcible

See all rhymes for forcible →

Frequently asked questions

What does “forcible” mean?

The word “forcible” means done using physical force. In plain terms, describes something achieved or carried out using physical force.

How do you use “forcible” in a sentence?

Here is “forcible” used in a sentence: “Police found evidence of forcible entry at the scene.”

What part of speech is “forcible”?

“Forcible” is an adjective.

Where does the word “forcible” come from?

The word “forcible” comes from Old French. From Old French forcible, from forcier ("to conquer by force"), plus the suffix -ible.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial