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
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 juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—
Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Manning himself has found compelling, missed the cut in his first year of eligibility.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
In matters of texture, cotton, knits, and compelling fabrics arrived in the form of modern corsetry, slick pantsuits, and boisterous dresses in assorted hues.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 Feb. 2025
Quan and DeBose, for all their talent, haven’t been given anything compelling to do — or really even say.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for compelling 
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.
Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Manning himself has found compelling, missed the cut in his first year of eligibility.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
In matters of texture, cotton, knits, and compelling fabrics arrived in the form of modern corsetry, slick pantsuits, and boisterous dresses in assorted hues.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 Feb. 2025
Quan and DeBose, for all their talent, haven’t been given anything compelling to do — or really even say.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for compelling
Dictionary Entries Near compelling
Cite this Entry
“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compelling. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share