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.
—
Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
The concept was so sticky and compelling, though, that others started mining histories of notorious debacles for more examples of the same.
—David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025
Still, there are four more games to state their case, and this team still has a compelling story to tell.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
And now this compelling, closely contested World Series is tied 2-2 – and waiting for the electric Betts to shuffle into frame.
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 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.
Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
The concept was so sticky and compelling, though, that others started mining histories of notorious debacles for more examples of the same.
—David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025
Still, there are four more games to state their case, and this team still has a compelling story to tell.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
And now this compelling, closely contested World Series is tied 2-2 – and waiting for the electric Betts to shuffle into frame.
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 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 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share