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

These numbers make a compelling case for why beauty brands really must think about their marketing strategy with the platform. — Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

This abundance of material is owed to the fact that each crew member has their own compelling narrative arc. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 28 July 2026

Without giving too much away about the role, the Stranger Things star’s compelling performance puts a new face on a familiar character and a painful new backstory to drive her actions, perhaps setting up future appearances. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026

To me, that should be the most compelling element of the Dodgers’ trade deadline strategy. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of compel

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for compelling

• bookselling
• channelling
• dispelling
• excelling
• expelling
• foretelling
• impelling
• indwelling
• labelling
• levelling
• marvelling
• misspelling

Legal Definition

compelling

adjective

: that compels : tending to demand action or to convince

a compelling need for disclosure

a compelling argument