1
as in compelling
having the power to persuade
made a very forceful argument against going to war
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aggressive
marked by or uttered with forcefulness
kept asking until I gave a very forceful and blunt "no"
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in strong
not showing weakness or uncertainty
took a forceful stand on the highly controversial issue
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4
as in influential
having power over the minds or behavior of others
a forceful speaker whose words moved the audience to tears
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of forceful
Convincing people to believe their denials can allow adversaries to divide public opinion in the United States and potentially cause government officials to fear a domestic backlash against a forceful reaction.
—
Roseanne McManus, Foreign Affairs, 28 Apr. 2025
Rebuke of Trump: Chief Justice John Roberts rebukes Trump after president calls for US judge's impeachment
Supreme Court's liberal justices have been more forceful in taking on Trump
Roberts’ comments, however, weren’t as blunt or forceful as those made recently by two of his colleagues.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Pakistan promised a forceful response to India’s airstrikes, with security officials telling NBC News that Pakistani forces had already shot down five Indian Air Force planes and one drone.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 7 May 2025
Harriette Cole: Advice to mother who’s done having babies draws forceful response
Elder abuse has many forms.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forceful
Roseanne McManus, Foreign Affairs, 28 Apr. 2025
Rebuke of Trump: Chief Justice John Roberts rebukes Trump after president calls for US judge's impeachment
Supreme Court's liberal justices have been more forceful in taking on Trump
Roberts’ comments, however, weren’t as blunt or forceful as those made recently by two of his colleagues.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Pakistan promised a forceful response to India’s airstrikes, with security officials telling NBC News that Pakistani forces had already shot down five Indian Air Force planes and one drone.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 7 May 2025
Harriette Cole: Advice to mother who’s done having babies draws forceful response
Elder abuse has many forms.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forceful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forceful
Adjective
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This $150 price drop is a pretty compelling reason to pick one up, whether for yourself or for a grad in your life.—
& John Mihaly,
PC Magazine,
27 May 2025
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Jackie Fields,
People.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Nonprofits focused on such issues could be seen as antagonistic to the company’s aggressive commercialization efforts.—
Hayden Field,
CNBC,
23 May 2025
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The 82-year-old was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, the second most common cancer among men, with 1 in 8 being diagnosed in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.—
Sam Woodward,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
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According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.—
Elliot Hughes,
Journal Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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But Means has attracted scrutiny from health professionals over her background and the ire from some on the far-right including activist Laura Loomer, an influential voice for Trump.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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Israel’s campaign in Gaza The influential pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera aired on a loop what appeared to be mobile phone footage of the alleged gunman, wearing a suit jacket and slacks, being pulled away after the shooting, his hands behind his back.—
Maya Sweedler,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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If their impressive durability isn’t convincing enough to add them to your virtual cart, the set’s 6,000-plus five-star ratings should be.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
27 May 2025
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These messages are far more convincing than the sloppy scams of the past.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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When asked if the current staffing shortages would affect the accuracy of storm forecast models, Graham was emphatic.—
Alex Harris,
Miami Herald,
22 May 2025
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The lasting image from that series was Roy Hibbert’s emphatic block on Carmelo Anthony with 5:03 left in Game 6.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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When thinning, aim to leave the strongest seedlings and remove less vigorous neighbors.—
Viveka Neveln,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 May 2025
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Mow lawns often enough to keep turf at the proper height for vigorous growth.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Sharing these private details will be challenging, since authoritative Saturn and confusing Neptune will corner the sun over the next few days.—
Liz Simmons,
StyleCaster,
27 May 2025
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One 2022 study found that children raised with an authoritative parenting style were more likely to achieve academically.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forceful. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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