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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Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
While its northern neighbor Tuscany may be better known as a producer of world-class wines, Umbrian vineyards are of equally compelling quality.
—Laura May Todd, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2025
While each homeowner's situation differs, there's a compelling argument for supporting a $50,000 home equity loan instead of a $50,000 cash-out refinance heading into the new year.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
One of the most compelling threads of the season is Charlotte’s crusade to free Hank Grogan.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
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Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
While its northern neighbor Tuscany may be better known as a producer of world-class wines, Umbrian vineyards are of equally compelling quality.
—Laura May Todd, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2025
While each homeowner's situation differs, there's a compelling argument for supporting a $50,000 home equity loan instead of a $50,000 cash-out refinance heading into the new year.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
One of the most compelling threads of the season is Charlotte’s crusade to free Hank Grogan.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Dec. 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 23 Dec. 2025.
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