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.
—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
2 July 2026
The A-list clientele is compelling, but these people also have professional glam teams.
—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
1 July 2026
Sooryavanshi was a compelling option at the top of the order, though.
—
ABC News,
1 July 2026
Guggenheim upgrades Salesforce to buy from neutral Guggenheim says shares are compelling.
—
Michael Bloom,
CNBC,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for compelling
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Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
2 July 2026
The A-list clientele is compelling, but these people also have professional glam teams.
—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
1 July 2026
Sooryavanshi was a compelling option at the top of the order, though.
—
ABC News,
1 July 2026
Guggenheim upgrades Salesforce to buy from neutral Guggenheim says shares are compelling.
—
Michael Bloom,
CNBC,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for compelling
Cite this Entry
“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compelling. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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