compelling
adjective
com·pel·ling
kəm-ˈpe-liŋ 
: that compels: such as
a
: forceful
a compelling personality
a compelling desire
b
: demanding attention
for compelling reasons
The novel was so compelling that I couldn't put it down.
c
: convincing
no compelling evidence
compellingly
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of compelling in a Sentence
The novel was so compelling that I couldn't put it down.
He made a compelling argument.
I would need a very compelling reason to leave my job.
She had a compelling need to share what she had heard.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
—
Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
Iran encouraged the Shi’ite Muslim fighters of Lebanon’s Hezbollah to keep firing rockets and anti-tank shells at northern Israel since last October, compelling tens of thousands of Israelis to leave their homes and reside temporarily in hotels and communities many miles away.
—Dan Raviv and Yossi Melman, TIME, 9 Apr. 2024
More compelling movies bring more movie fans to the theatre, which in turn increases the desire of consumers to return and see what is coming next.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2024
This architectural feature serves as the centerpiece of a very compelling design.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2024
What these diaries reveal, however, is that perhaps the Rickman behind the scenes was the most compelling character.
—Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
The case for establishing full diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia remains compelling.
—Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2024
The legacy of James F. Comley has many compelling layers beyond his professional achievements, with his prominence also evident in his family history.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2024
Microsoft, for example, was accused of the same type of antitrust violation for compelling users of its operating system to also use its browser in the 1990s.
—Joan Kennedy, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024
Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
Iran encouraged the Shi’ite Muslim fighters of Lebanon’s Hezbollah to keep firing rockets and anti-tank shells at northern Israel since last October, compelling tens of thousands of Israelis to leave their homes and reside temporarily in hotels and communities many miles away.
—Dan Raviv and Yossi Melman, TIME, 9 Apr. 2024
More compelling movies bring more movie fans to the theatre, which in turn increases the desire of consumers to return and see what is coming next.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2024
This architectural feature serves as the centerpiece of a very compelling design.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2024
What these diaries reveal, however, is that perhaps the Rickman behind the scenes was the most compelling character.
—Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
The case for establishing full diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia remains compelling.
—Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2024
The legacy of James F. Comley has many compelling layers beyond his professional achievements, with his prominence also evident in his family history.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2024
Microsoft, for example, was accused of the same type of antitrust violation for compelling users of its operating system to also use its browser in the 1990s.
—Joan Kennedy, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compelling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near compelling
Cite this Entry
“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compelling. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
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