compelling 1 of 2

adjective

kəm-ˈpe-liŋ How to pronounce compelling (audio)
Definition of compellingnext
1
as in convincing
having the power to persuade made a compelling argument against military intervention

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in urgent
needing immediate attention no compelling need to raise taxes at this time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

compelling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of compel
as in forcing
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure public opinion compelled her to fire her scandal-plagued aide

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of compelling
Adjective
In some ways, watching this late-career Messi has become just as compelling an experience as watching the one who recorded a quite absurd 91 goals and 22 assists for Barcelona and Argentina in 2012. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026 This analysis makes up the most compelling part of the book, which is written in a kind of structureless, hybrid blogger-academic style, and otherwise tends to bog down in confusing digressions. — Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026
Verb
Selaocoe extends that feeling after the song ends by once again compelling the audience to join him in song. — Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 22 May 2026 Her new perspective gazes at us directly, compelling us to meet her eye. — Literary Hub, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for compelling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compelling
  1. convincing
  2. urgent
  3. forcing
  4. conclusive
  5. acute
  6. coercing
  7. strong
  8. obliging
Adjective
  • Although there were some early signs of weaker fuel consumption in lower-income Asian economies as the conflict began, that argument appears less convincing in the United States.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 23 July 2026
  • Many analysts suggest the failure stemmed from Syrskyi convincing Zelensky that a simultaneous push against the eastern city of Bakhmut and the Zaporizhzhia front in the south would split Russia’s defenses.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of convincing
Adjective
  • Susan Lilly, the TFPD’s public information officer, tells THR that the TFPD assessed the scene for urgent life-safety concerns, such as live electrical wires near pooled water, and then ceded it to the Telluride School District.
    — Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
  • The announcement comes after a group of Ashaninka Indigenous leaders began meetings with federal officials in Brasilia, Brazil's capital, seeking urgent protection for their territory.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of urgent
Verb
  • The broader shortage has lifted chip companies worldwide — Micron reported a 15-fold increase in quarterly profits last month — while forcing retailers to hike prices for cars and mobile phones, among others.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 27 July 2026
  • Sharp declines can trigger a margin call, forcing investors to either deposit additional cash or sell holdings—potentially at worse prices.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Definition of forcing
Adjective
  • So, a strange ending for one of Netflix’s best shows, but three seasons and a conclusive movie are now in Netflix’s catalog for anyone to watch.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • The film, the conclusive ending to the three Heartstopper seasons adapted from Alice Oseman’s graphic novel, is set to follow Charlie (Locke) and Nick (Connor)’s biggest relationship hurdle yet.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
Definition of conclusive
Adjective
  • And while affordability is an acute issue across Florida, Miami-Dade feels it most intensely.
    — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • The problem is more acute for musicals, given their typically larger cast sizes and need for an orchestra, and the fact that many plays now feature celebrities who are able to draw in big crowds at higher ticket prices.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026
Definition of acute
Verb
  • Travis Reed, who was a fire captain with the now-defunct Briar Volunteer Fire Department, admitted to coercing a minor into producing child pornography in September, according to a summary of facts in the case.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026
  • The Justice Against Weaponized Bureaucratic Overreach to Networked Expression Act would prohibit federal agencies and employees from coercing or trying to coerce broadcasters and providers of online services or AI services into changing content.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 June 2026
Definition of coercing
Adjective
  • This is a strong day to pitch, perform, flirt, draft, or share something that feels alive.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
  • While heavy foreign equity selling earlier this year weighed on the won, Goldman said those outflows have slowed, allowing the currency's strong external fundamentals to reassert themselves.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Definition of strong
Verb
  • There is no contract obliging a customer to buy a second bottle of wine, a second pair of running shoes, or a second box of protein powder.
    — Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The Swedish parliament on Monday adopted a law obliging public sector workers to report to the police any migrants who are not authorized to live in Sweden.
    — Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
Definition of obliging

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Cite this Entry

“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compelling. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of compelling for Spanish Speakers

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