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.
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Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
In short, roughly 90,000-resident Duluth serves as both a destination and a gateway to some of the Upper Midwest's most compelling experiences.
—Jacqueline Kehoe, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2025
The new 4Runner sits on the TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture (shared with the Tacoma and Tundra), and that underpins much of what’s compelling (and contentious) about this generation.
—New Atlas, 22 Nov. 2025
Claude Monet immersive experience at 31 15th St. in West Sacramento features the artist’s most compelling works in a 360-degree display.
—Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
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Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
In short, roughly 90,000-resident Duluth serves as both a destination and a gateway to some of the Upper Midwest's most compelling experiences.
—Jacqueline Kehoe, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2025
The new 4Runner sits on the TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture (shared with the Tacoma and Tundra), and that underpins much of what’s compelling (and contentious) about this generation.
—New Atlas, 22 Nov. 2025
Claude Monet immersive experience at 31 15th St. in West Sacramento features the artist’s most compelling works in a 360-degree display.
—Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 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 3 Dec. 2025.
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