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
Although both franchises are relative newcomers to this stage of the postseason, plenty of big bats and star power make that series compelling.
—
Scott Phillips, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
The core idea is actually quite compelling.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
Deaunte Thomas is an artist deeply rooted in the Kansas City community, known not only for his versatile and compelling style but also for using his art to heal and bring people together.
—Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2025
As long as an old smartphone works well and still receives updates, there’s no compelling reason to replace it, said Courtney Lindwall, home and tech writer at Consumer Reports.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
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Scott Phillips, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
The core idea is actually quite compelling.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
Deaunte Thomas is an artist deeply rooted in the Kansas City community, known not only for his versatile and compelling style but also for using his art to heal and bring people together.
—Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2025
As long as an old smartphone works well and still receives updates, there’s no compelling reason to replace it, said Courtney Lindwall, home and tech writer at Consumer Reports.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 11 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2025.
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