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
Wednesday Season 2, Part 1 knocks it out of the park thanks to its compelling mystery, dark sense of humor and a stellar cast led by Jenna Ortega.
—
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
The challenge was to come up with something that would give him the opportunity to do something that was unique and compelling and different than other people had done.
—Gary Graff, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
Whether driven by social apathy or artistic passion, James—effortlessly played by O’Connor with hangdog elegance—registers as a compelling update of the ’70s American male loner archetype for another dispiriting, directionless time.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
This season is way more spooky and eerie compared to the last, how does raising the horror aspect make season 2 more compelling to you as a fan and character?
—Malik Peay, Essence, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
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.
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
The challenge was to come up with something that would give him the opportunity to do something that was unique and compelling and different than other people had done.
—Gary Graff, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
Whether driven by social apathy or artistic passion, James—effortlessly played by O’Connor with hangdog elegance—registers as a compelling update of the ’70s American male loner archetype for another dispiriting, directionless time.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
This season is way more spooky and eerie compared to the last, how does raising the horror aspect make season 2 more compelling to you as a fan and character?
—Malik Peay, Essence, 5 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share