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
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.
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Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
What makes all this compelling is the degree to which Jaafar Jackson, the son of Michael’s older brother Jermaine, disappears into the role of his celebrated uncle.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
But if strong character development and a compelling plot are important to you, this production is likely not the right fit.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
But the kinetic Sunyaev-Zel’dovich effect is a little bit different, and a lot more compelling.
—Big Think, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compelling
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
What makes all this compelling is the degree to which Jaafar Jackson, the son of Michael’s older brother Jermaine, disappears into the role of his celebrated uncle.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
But if strong character development and a compelling plot are important to you, this production is likely not the right fit.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
But the kinetic Sunyaev-Zel’dovich effect is a little bit different, and a lot more compelling.
—Big Think, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compelling
Cite this Entry
“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compelling. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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