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
One of the most compelling threads of the season is Charlotte’s crusade to free Hank Grogan.
—
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2025
Here’s a look at five of the most compelling storylines of Week 15.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025
Jayaram explained that his rating upgrade was based on DVN’s compelling valuation compared to its peers, supported by free cash flow gains from the company’s $1 billion business optimization plan.
—Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 14 Dec. 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.
—Danielle Bacher, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
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Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2025
Here’s a look at five of the most compelling storylines of Week 15.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025
Jayaram explained that his rating upgrade was based on DVN’s compelling valuation compared to its peers, supported by free cash flow gains from the company’s $1 billion business optimization plan.
—Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 14 Dec. 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.
—Danielle Bacher, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 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 16 Dec. 2025.
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