compelling

1 of 2

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 entry 1

no compelling evidence

compellingly adverb

compelling

2 of 2

present participle of compel

Synonyms of compelling

Adjective

• convincing
• conclusive
• strong

Examples of compelling in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Bank of America upgrades Sasol to buy from neutral Bank of America says the South African oil company offers a compelling valuation. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Its focus, for now, is to reestablish a brand identity by investing in compelling content and leveraging partnerships to amplify its message. — Jennie Bell, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

The darker corners of the internet are all too eager to offer men a compelling list of reasons for why their lives are unfulfilling, as well as an echo chamber full of the similarly aggrieved. — T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2026

The technologies exist, and the economics are increasingly compelling. — Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of compel

First Known Use

Adjective

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