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
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
Verb
Cruise portrays Digger Rockwell, an eccentric oil magnate whose decisions put the world on the brink of catastrophe, ultimately compelling him to embark on an improbable mission to rescue humanity. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026 His mission is to keep photos of the lounge off social media, compelling the curious to come in and see it for themselves. — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 8 July 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
  • An argument made a fortiori gives an even more convincing reason than one that has already been accepted.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Magnetic enough to hold her own against two major acting talents and an exhausting parade of special effects, the young performer maintains a convincing sense of agency even as Bela’s surroundings become physically overwhelming.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of convincing
Adjective
  • Her songs feel urgent and unfiltered; Rodrigo sings about the negative sides of herself, too, whether that’s feelings of jealousy or obsession.
    — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Torres recommends establishing a coverage plan ahead of cold and flu season, so employees know who will take their shift or handle urgent work.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of urgent
Verb
  • The French broadcaster said the cyberattack involved forcing a continuous defrost cycle, setting temperatures to 50°C (122°F).
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Andrés Zamora, Secuoya Studios’ director of global sales and distribution, said such deals underline the role distribution can play in financing projects, while also forcing producers to defend their position.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of forcing
Adjective
  • Some experiments also indicate improvement in markers of inflammation, though, here, as with many areas, the findings are not conclusive, says Lee.
    — Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The reply from John Thorn, the official historian of Major League Baseball, was far less conclusive.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of conclusive
Adjective
  • In some parts of Africa, the obstacles to foreign investment are more acute.
    — Jared Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026
  • For instance, a patient might be admitted for diverticulitis (primary diagnosis), but found on post-op labs to have acute blood-loss anemia (secondary diagnosis).
    — Leah Pierson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of acute
Verb
  • In lawsuits filed last year, Chegg and PMC accused Google of abusing its monopoly power by coercing publishers into supplying content for AI Overviews for free, or risk disappearing from search results.
    — Emma Roth, The Verge, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Playing that cat, a work camp warden coercing Hawke’s character into smuggling gold through the wilderness, is none other than Russell Crowe.
    — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of coercing
Adjective
  • All manner of contemporary art is shown here, with a collection over 200,000 pieces strong, ranging from Diane Arbus and Cindy Sherman photographs to paintings from Francis Bacon and Sol LeWitt sculptures.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than a sudden surge, the new estimate shows the population has always been strong, thriving, and secure.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of strong
Verb
  • Recipe development can be a self-effacing task, obliging the writer to anticipate the appetites and routines of her imagined reader.
    — Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • First is to prevent their further migration by enforcing an international treaty obliging national authorities to treat ballast waters inside incoming ships that may carry such species.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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