Forcible, a.
Etymology: [Cf. OF. forcible forcible, forceable that may be forced.]
1. Possessing force; characterized by force, efficiency, or energy; powerful; efficacious; impressive; influential. How forcible are right words! Job. vi. 2 Sweet smells are most forcible in dry substances, when broken. Bacon. But I have reasons strong and forcible. Shak. That punishment which hath been sometimes forcible to bridle sin. Hooker. He is at once elegant and sublime, forcible and ornamented. Lowth (Transl. )
2. Violent; impetuous. Like mingled streams, more forcible when joined. Prior.
3. Using force against opposition or resistance; obtained by compulsion; effected by force; as, forcible entry or abduction. In embraces of King James . . . forcible and unjust. Swift. Forcible entry and detainer (Law), the entering upon and taking and withholding of land and tenements by actual force and violence, and with a strong hand, to the hindrance of the person having the right to enter.
Syn. -- Violent; powerful; strong; energetic; mighty; potent; weighty; impressive; cogent; influential.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for forcible; he lists it under racy.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.