compelling

com·pel·ling

adjective \kəm-ˈpe-liŋ\

Definition of COMPELLING

: that compels: as

a : forceful <a compelling personality>

b : demanding attention <for compelling reasons>

c : convincing <no compelling evidence>

— com·pel·ling·ly adverb

Examples of COMPELLING

1. The novel was so compelling that I couldn't put it down.
2. He made a compelling argument.
3. I would need a very compelling reason to leave my job.
4. She had a compelling need to share what she had heard.

First Known Use of COMPELLING

1606

Related to COMPELLING

Synonyms

cogent, conclusive, convincing, decisive, effective, forceful, persuasive, satisfying, strong, telling

Antonyms

inconclusive, indecisive, ineffective, uncompelling, unconvincing, unpersuasive

Related Words

authoritative, definitive; sound, valid, well-founded; important, significant, weighty; material, pertinent, relevant

Near Antonyms

groundless, invalid, shaky, unfounded, unsound; inconsequential, insignificant, unimportant; immaterial, irrelevant; feeble, weak

Rhymes with COMPELLING

best-selling, clear-felling, bookselling, indwelling, lake dwelling, misspelling, tale-telling, tax selling, upwelling