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.
"Since the forcible ejection of pugilist Siki from the New York Bar in Paris, discussion of Negro rights has become serious."
— , Jim Crow Tendency (1923)
"Police found evidence of forcible entry at the scene."
"The rebels staged a forcible takeover of the palace."
How to use forcible
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more forcible
- Superlative
- most forcible
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Police found evidence of _____ entry at the scene.
Etymology
From Old French forcible, from forcier ("to conquer by force"), plus the suffix -ible.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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.
