compelling

adjective

com·​pel·​ling kəm-ˈpe-liŋ How to pronounce compelling (audio)
Synonyms of compellingnext
: 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.
During periods of volatility and uncertainty, sticking to your long-term plan and tuning out the noise can also prove to be a compelling strategy, analysts said. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026 Needham’s Tom Nikic believes that On will remain a compelling growth story in 2026 as brand awareness continues to grow globally. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 27 Feb. 2026 Violet and poppy red have emerged as one of spring’s most compelling color pairings—an off-kilter combination Prada has long championed. Christina Holevas, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026 The judges cited Leavenworth officials’ sworn testimony as compelling evidence that CoreCivic should not be allowed to reopen without guarantees that conditions would be safer for inmates and employees than in the past. Matthew Kelly february 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026 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 5 Mar. 2026.

Legal Definition

compelling

adjective
: that compels : tending to demand action or to convince
a compelling need for disclosure
a compelling argument

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