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

Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker is one of many quarterbacks with a compelling story. — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Vulnerability Is About Purpose, Not Exposure Many students assume that writing a compelling personal essay requires revealing their deepest secrets. — Dr. Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Beyond the device, Tang and Collier shared some compelling advice for spending less time on your phone starting right now. — New Atlas, 22 July 2026

The milestone makes the site an increasingly compelling destination for advertisers. — Samantha Subin,mackenzie Sigalos,jonathan Vanian,jordan Novet, CNBC, 22 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