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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Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
Newsom successfully overcame his lifelong struggle with dyslexia to deliver a compelling and well-executed final State of the State address, demonstrating strong rhetorical skill and delivery despite his anxiety about reading from teleprompters.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Yet even when the objective appears morally compelling, the means by which it is pursued still matter.
—Richard Kiy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Even wearable skeptics may find the experience compelling.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compelling
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Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
Newsom successfully overcame his lifelong struggle with dyslexia to deliver a compelling and well-executed final State of the State address, demonstrating strong rhetorical skill and delivery despite his anxiety about reading from teleprompters.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Yet even when the objective appears morally compelling, the means by which it is pursued still matter.
—Richard Kiy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Even wearable skeptics may find the experience compelling.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compelling
Cite this Entry
“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compelling. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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