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
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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—
Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—Mimi Pond, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Here’s a look at five of the most compelling storylines on tap in Week 2.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
State prosecutors — which in this case would be the county district attorney’s office — are typically prohibited from assuming jurisdiction over a killing outside the country without compelling evidence that a suspect made plans to kill while still in the United States.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
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Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—Mimi Pond, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Here’s a look at five of the most compelling storylines on tap in Week 2.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
State prosecutors — which in this case would be the county district attorney’s office — are typically prohibited from assuming jurisdiction over a killing outside the country without compelling evidence that a suspect made plans to kill while still in the United States.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
Cite this Entry
“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compelling. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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