compelling

1 of 2

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 entry 1

no compelling evidence

compellingly adverb

compelling

2 of 2

present participle of compel

Synonyms of compelling

Adjective

• convincing
• conclusive
• strong

Examples of compelling in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

If your rate is above 6%, using your extra money to aggressively pay down your debt is compelling. — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026

Goldman said that the stock remains compelling, even after a 23% runup this year. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026

That wrestling match itself, however, makes for compelling theater about as often as the camel squeezes through the needle. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

But anecdotal cases, even with compelling videos, don't prove the cameras caused a citywide plunge in break-ins. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of compel

First Known Use

Adjective

1606, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for compelling

• bookselling
• channelling
• dispelling
• excelling
• expelling
• foretelling
• impelling
• indwelling
• labelling
• levelling
• marvelling
• misspelling

Legal Definition

compelling

adjective

: that compels : tending to demand action or to convince

a compelling need for disclosure

a compelling argument