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

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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
Appearing inside and outside the car, Jenner describes what makes the city so compelling. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 But in regulated industries, a compelling demo is only the beginning. — Ravi Nemalikanti, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 But as more and more opens up on this car-free island (there is now the QC NY Spa, an increasing number of pop-up events, and a jazz festival that happens twice during summer), the chance to stay overnight is a compelling offering. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 At the moment, what’s going on with the team is considerably more compelling than what’s going on in the private lives of the show’s characters. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 2 Sep. 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

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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 4 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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