compelling

1 of 2

adjective

com·​pel·​ling kəm-ˈpe-liŋ How to pronounce compelling (audio)
Synonyms of compelling
: 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 entry 1
no compelling evidence
compellingly adverb

compelling

2 of 2

present participle of compel

Synonyms of compelling

Relevance

Adjective

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Examples of compelling in a Sentence

Adjective 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Lou, in Álvarez’s hands, is a particularly compelling combination of vulnerability and certainty. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 Pina also took aim at the UK government’s plan to introduce new laws compelling YouTube and TikTok to promote public service content. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 But the Duffys simply are not forthright or interesting enough to be compelling subjects. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 The government may not decide that Church teaching is insufficiently religious, insufficiently consistent with Catholic doctrine, or insufficiently compelling to justify an ecclesiastical policy. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compelling

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of compel

First Known Use

Adjective

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of compelling was in 1606

Rhymes for compelling

See All Rhymes for compelling

Browse Nearby Words

compellent
compelling
compend
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compelling. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Legal Definition

compelling

adjective
: that compels : tending to demand action or to convince
a compelling need for disclosure
a compelling argument
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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