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

• cogent
• conclusive
• convincing
• decisive
• effective
• forceful
• persuasive
• satisfying
• strong
• telling

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

This groundbreaking indie proves that a talented filmmaker can tell a compelling story, even with limited resources. —Danny Horn, EW.com, 18 Aug. 2024

The image of Harris the prosecutor taking on Trump the felon is a compelling one, but the attendant hazard is his knack for presenting himself as a martyr. —Amy Davidson Sorkin, The New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2024

Edgerton does an expert job of drawing out the tension of this compelling story, opting for minimalist storytelling that doesn’t rely on overt exposition or flashy set pieces, that chooses to focus on the characters and their moral ambiguity. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024

Part of what makes Sandro G such a compelling figure for Azoreans is his dual identity—something that Bairos understands well. —Philip Sherburne, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of compel

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

compelling

adjective

: that compels : tending to demand action or to convince

a compelling need for disclosure

a compelling argument