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

Synonyms of compelling

• convincing
• conclusive
• strong

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

There are a number of compelling adversaries for Grace and Faith to overcome, but Ursula and Titus are depicted as the final bosses from the jump. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026

Throughout, there are instances where the filmmakers, in their effort to craft an intricate, humanistic mosaic, leave some compelling threads unexplored in favor of moving the story along. —Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026

This is where the framework becomes especially compelling for anyone who values deliberate decision-making. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026

These performers represent some of the most compelling talent working today. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of compel

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for compelling

• bookselling
• dispelling
• excelling
• expelling
• foretelling
• impelling
• indwelling
• labelling
• marvelling
• misspelling
• modelling
• panelling

Legal Definition

compelling

adjective

: that compels : tending to demand action or to convince

a compelling need for disclosure

a compelling argument