compelling

adjective

com·​pel·​ling kəm-ˈpe-liŋ How to pronounce compelling (audio)
: 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

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. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 4 July 2024 Instead of compelling Netanyahu to reorder his priorities, politicians have invited him to address Congress on July 24. Ruby Chen, New York Daily News, 4 July 2024 Michael Petraglia, director of the Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution at Griffith University, hails the new study as both factually compelling and noteworthy for its integration of scientific findings with Indigenous sources. science.org, 3 July 2024 His reign of terror brought the city to its knees, compelling many young women with similar appearances to the victims to dye their hair and get pixie cuts. Samira Asma-Sadeque, Peoplemag, 22 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for compelling 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compelling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of compel

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of compelling was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near compelling

Cite this Entry

“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compelling. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Legal Definition

compelling

adjective
: that compels : tending to demand action or to convince
a compelling need for disclosure
a compelling argument

More from Merriam-Webster on compelling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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