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
Synonyms
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.
—
Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 10 Sep. 2023
But scene by scene, Jacobs and his leads etch a tangle of compelling, persuasive dynamics and backstories.
—Jon Frosch, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Sep. 2023
Judge Mehta ruled last week that Mr. Navarro could not raise executive privilege in his defense, saying that there was no compelling evidence that Mr. Trump had ever told him to ignore the committee.
—Zach Montague, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2023
That means there's five episodes—and five weeks—remaining in this compelling and eccentric genre story.
—Evan Romano, Men's Health, 8 Sep. 2023
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 juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—Liza Esquibias, Peoplemag, 29 Aug. 2023
The strength of the U.S.-Mexico relationship provides a fourth compelling reason.
—Chris Miller and David Talbot, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2023
But consumers have shown a willingness to spend if a retailer can provide compelling value or surprises.
—Thomas Lee, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Aug. 2023
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 juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—Nikki Dobrin, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2023
See More
Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 10 Sep. 2023
But scene by scene, Jacobs and his leads etch a tangle of compelling, persuasive dynamics and backstories.
—Jon Frosch, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Sep. 2023
Judge Mehta ruled last week that Mr. Navarro could not raise executive privilege in his defense, saying that there was no compelling evidence that Mr. Trump had ever told him to ignore the committee.
—Zach Montague, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2023
That means there's five episodes—and five weeks—remaining in this compelling and eccentric genre story.
—Evan Romano, Men's Health, 8 Sep. 2023
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 juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—Liza Esquibias, Peoplemag, 29 Aug. 2023
The strength of the U.S.-Mexico relationship provides a fourth compelling reason.
—Chris Miller and David Talbot, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2023
But consumers have shown a willingness to spend if a retailer can provide compelling value or surprises.
—Thomas Lee, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Aug. 2023
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 juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—Nikki Dobrin, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compelling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near compelling
Cite this Entry
“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compelling. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.
Copy Citation
Legal Definition
compelling
adjective
: that compels : tending to demand action or to convince
a compelling need for disclosure
a compelling argument
More from Merriam-Webster on compelling
Nglish: Translation of compelling for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of compelling for Arabic Speakers
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