COMPELLING Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words

compelling 1 of 2

adjective

kəm-ˈpe-liŋ

Definition of compelling

as in convincing

having the power to persuade made a compelling argument against military intervention

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in urgent

needing immediate attention no compelling need to raise taxes at this time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

compelling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of compel

as in forcing

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure public opinion compelled her to fire her scandal-plagued aide

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of compelling

Adjective

And the idea of a formal seat at the EU table hasn’t yet been compelling for Euroskeptics, led by the opposition Independence Party. — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 But nobody else could possibly have a compelling reason to put on Meta glasses. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

His mission is to keep photos of the lounge off social media, compelling the curious to come in and see it for themselves. — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 8 July 2026 Selaocoe extends that feeling after the song ends by once again compelling the audience to join him in song. — Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for compelling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compelling

Adjective

Critics of Modi’s prudent management of Washington have not come up with a convincing alternative strategy for how India should handle the growing power imbalance with China.

— C. Raja Mohan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
Sturdivant has been one of the Packers’ training camp standouts, making a convincing case for his inclusion on the 53-man roster.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of convincing

Adjective

This is becoming more urgent, Azam says, as these disasters become more frequent, but experts lack data to better identify the areas that are most at risk of future disasters like this.

— Diaa Hadid, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026
Amol Rajan, the BBC Radio 4 Today show presenter, has called for urgent action to save the UK national broadcaster from an existential emergency.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of urgent

Verb

Jones wanted to show that despite her stern attitude with John and forcing him to grow up, her love for her child always comes through.

— Matt Minton, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
However, analysts warn that the plans will likely take years to come to fruition, forcing countries to seek immediate alternatives elsewhere.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of forcing

Adjective

Metagenomic testing on blood samples, which is also becoming more common, is not always conclusive; localized infections don’t always reach the bloodstream.

— Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026
Officials concluded that the video did not offer conclusive proof that a person fell off the ship.

— Curran Rastogi, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of conclusive

Verb

But in the past, these efforts were largely aimed at threatening or coercing Washington to act in their favor.

— Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
The losses exceed the number of fresh recruits that Moscow can muster, and Russian authorities are coercing men into signing up.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of coercing

Adjective

Davis delivered a strong preseason, but he is now likely headed to a redshirt rookie season unless injuries strike at tackle.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt.

— Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of strong

Verb

First is to prevent their further migration by enforcing an international treaty obliging national authorities to treat ballast waters inside incoming ships that may carry such species.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
There is no contract obliging a customer to buy a second bottle of wine, a second pair of running shoes, or a second box of protein powder.

— Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of obliging

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compelled

compelling

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Style

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

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Synonyms of compelling

adjective

verb

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