compelling

adjective

com·​pel·​ling kəm-ˈpe-liŋ How to pronounce compelling (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of compel

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of compelling was in 1606

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compelling. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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