Word
forcibly
US/ˈfɔɹsəbɫi/
UK/fˈɔːsəbli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01by physical force
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. using physical strength to move someone or something, often against their will.
adv. by the use of physical power or violence, typically to compel someone to move or act against their wishes.
“The protesters were forcibly removed from the building by the security guards.”
“The authorities were criticized for forcibly relocating the villagers without providing adequate compensation or alternative housing options.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02with powerful effect
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. in a way that is very strong, clear, and convincing.
adv. in a manner that carries great conviction or produces a powerful mental effect.
“The speaker's words struck me forcibly, making me rethink my entire opinion.”
“The report struck me forcibly as a masterpiece of investigative journalism, highlighting systemic failures that had long been ignored by the public.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “forcibly” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Only when war between the United States and Japan broke out the next year were Japanese schools in Hawaii forcibly closed.” “Last week, Human Rights Watch said six staff members of a local organisation working on women’s and children’s rights had been “forcibly disappeared” for more than a month.” Etymology
From Middle English forceably, equivalent to forcible + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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