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
Some version of this problem arose when Seattle and Dallas eliminated the Avs, but there was compelling evidence to stick with the coach, given Valeri Nichushkin’s absences and Gabe Landeskog’s injury.
—
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
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.
—Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026
In the hands of Campbell and Gadd, Ruben, the personification of toxic masculinity, is endowed with a pathos that becomes compelling, even captivating.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 26 May 2026
Keith & the Movies flagged a related issue, noting that while Nikki is compelling throughout, Bear stays largely in one gear, which is a sustained state of shock that keeps Michael Johnston’s character from developing the dimensionality that would fully hit home the film’s emotional stakes.
—Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for compelling
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Troy Renck, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
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.
—Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026
In the hands of Campbell and Gadd, Ruben, the personification of toxic masculinity, is endowed with a pathos that becomes compelling, even captivating.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 26 May 2026
Keith & the Movies flagged a related issue, noting that while Nikki is compelling throughout, Bear stays largely in one gear, which is a sustained state of shock that keeps Michael Johnston’s character from developing the dimensionality that would fully hit home the film’s emotional stakes.
—Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 26 May 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 27 May. 2026.
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