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 of compelling

• convincing
• conclusive
• strong

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

Beyond the famous spaceships, X-Wing and TIE Fighter also brought compelling stories set in the Star Wars universe, alongside technical advancements like fully 3D graphics in place of the bitmap sprites of previous titles. —Alan Bradley, Space.com, 31 Jan. 2026

The Argentine rappers here both brought compelling entries to the table. —Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 30 Jan. 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 juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026

Goa, which ranked second, offers a different yet compelling take on wellness. —Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of compel

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for compelling

• bookselling
• dispelling
• excelling
• expelling
• foretelling
• impelling
• indwelling
• labelling
• marvelling
• misspelling
• modelling
• panelling

Legal Definition

compelling

adjective

: that compels : tending to demand action or to convince

a compelling need for disclosure

a compelling argument