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
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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—
Erin Clack, People.com, 13 July 2025
After Jelly Roll’s big moment cost McIntyre a win at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, McIntyre is a strong candidate to challenge for the WWE Championship immediately after SummerSlam, especially with a lack of other compelling options on SmackDown.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
The works are paired with compelling research, including the history of redlining and crucial heat-shade statistics, which visitors can interact with and see how their own communities are affected by these factors.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
In a category full of compelling options, this is arguably the most compelling choice.
—Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Erin Clack, People.com, 13 July 2025
After Jelly Roll’s big moment cost McIntyre a win at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, McIntyre is a strong candidate to challenge for the WWE Championship immediately after SummerSlam, especially with a lack of other compelling options on SmackDown.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
The works are paired with compelling research, including the history of redlining and crucial heat-shade statistics, which visitors can interact with and see how their own communities are affected by these factors.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
In a category full of compelling options, this is arguably the most compelling choice.
—Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
Cite this Entry
“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compelling. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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