compelling

1 of 2

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 entry 1

no compelling evidence

compellingly adverb

compelling

2 of 2

present participle of compel

Synonyms of compelling

Adjective

• convincing
• conclusive
• strong

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

Adjective

Human nature Outside researchers say the paper makes a compelling case for ancient betel nut use. — Pien Huang, NPR, 19 Sep. 2026

Barbara and Ibby forge a friendship that’s unexpectedly compelling because of the strength of the two actors, radiating an interiority that isn’t on the page. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026

Two luxury ships now cruise the Magdalena, opening one of South America’s most compelling cultural corridors to the wider world. — Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026

The play becomes an intellectual exercise — often a technically compelling one, and one that thankfully observes the comedy of Chekhov’s struggling souls as much as their tragedy. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of compel

First Known Use

Adjective

1606, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for compelling

• bookselling
• channelling
• dispelling
• excelling
• expelling
• foretelling
• impelling
• indwelling
• labelling
• levelling
• marvelling
• misspelling

Legal Definition

compelling

adjective

: that compels : tending to demand action or to convince

a compelling need for disclosure

a compelling argument