compelling

1 of 2

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 entry 1

no compelling evidence

compellingly adverb

compelling

2 of 2

present participle of compel

Synonyms of compelling

Adjective

• convincing
• conclusive
• strong

Examples of compelling in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Related Stories Premiering in Competition at the Busan Film Festival, Cahyono’s film is most compelling when its spiritual qualities are felt rather than seen, when its story is discovered through Hakim’s layered and complex performance. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

The Challenges Creating a compelling reason to visit a convenience store is a big challenge for small-format outlets in India, experts said. — Priyanka Salve,jenny Lee, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026

Finding entertainment that is both compelling and appropriate for the entire family has become more difficult than ever. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026

Plus v2 is a compelling alternative for first-time power station buyers. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of compel

First Known Use

Adjective

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