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

Some of the most compelling stories in contention for the Academy Awards aren’t unfolding across two or three hours. — Karen Idelson, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026

Build a compelling destination and bundling ecosystem for premium subscriptions. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026

Two other shared institutional features offer more compelling answers. — Daniel Waldenstrom, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026

And in a city that rarely slows its rhythm, Lincoln made a compelling case for enjoying the pause. — Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 6 Nov. 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