Definitions

in force

ADJECTIVE

active

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alive effective operating

STRONG

flowing functioning going mobile movable operative progressive pushing rapid rolling running rushing rustling shifting simmering speeding streaming traveling turning walking working

WEAK

astir at work bustling efficacious exertive hasty impelling in play in process moving restless speedy swarming

Antonyms

STRONG

fixed inoperative unmovable unworking

WEAK

abeyant disinterested dormant idle immobile inactive indifferent inert lazy quiescent quiet sluggish

ADJECTIVE

effective

Synonyms

STRONGEST

active direct dynamic

WEAK

actual current in effect in execution in operation operative real

Antonyms

STRONGEST

inactive

WEAK

fruitless impotent incapable ineffective inoperative unproductive useless weak

ADJECTIVE

effectual

Synonyms

STRONG

effective efficacious

WEAK

accomplishing achieving adequate binding capable conclusive decisive determinative effecting efficient forcible fulfilling lawful legal licit potent powerful practicable productive qualified serviceable sound strong successful telling useful valid virtuous workable

Antonyms

STRONG

incapable unproductive useless

WEAK

impotent ineffectual unsuccessful weak

ADJECTIVE

going

Synonyms

STRONG

bustling flowing functioning impelling mobile movable moving operating operative progressive pushing rapid rolling running rushing rust

WEAK

alive astir at work effective efficacious exertive hasty in play in process restless

Antonyms

STRONG

fixed immobile permanent stationary unmovable

ADJECTIVE

operative

Synonyms

STRONGEST

operational usable

STRONG

current dynamic employable indicative key open running standing working

WEAK

accessible alive crucial effective efficient functional important in operation live practicable relevant serviceable significant workable

Antonyms

STRONG

passive

WEAK

inactive ineffective ineffectual inoperative unfunctional unworking useless worthless

ADJECTIVE

valid

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accurate authentic binding compelling conclusive credible good lawful legal legitimate logical original persuasive solid true well-founded

WEAK

attested authoritative bona fide cogent confirmed convincing determinative efficacious efficient good-faith irrefutable just kosher legit official potent powerful proven pure sound stringent strong substantial telling tested trustworthy ultimate unadulterated unanswerable uncorrupted weighty well-grounded

Antonyms

STRONGEST

counterfeit evil fake false illegal illegitimate illicit improbable invalid unlawful unlikely unreal unreliable untrustworthy wrong

WEAK

unacceptable unsound

ADJECTIVE

working

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alive busy employed engaged functioning running

STRONG

dynamic going laboring live moving operative

WEAK

effective hot in a job in full swing in gear in process on fire on the job on track practical useful viable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

idle inactive unemployed unengaged

WEAK

inoperative passive unoccupied

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The rules are now said to be back in force, and enforcement would restore the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 7, 2026

The flat fee will be in force until July 1, 2028 after which the usual customs duties will apply, depending on the type of good.

From Barron's • Jun. 30, 2026

A Met Office yellow warning for thunderstorms remains in force throughout Friday for all parts of Scotland except Shetland.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

Met Office red and amber extreme heat warnings remain in force with impacts such as transport disruption and heat-related illnesses set to continue.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

Instead of slackening, the wind gained in force and screamed over the rocks.

From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander

in force

Example Sentences

Related Words