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

• cogent
• conclusive
• convincing
• decisive
• effective
• forceful
• persuasive
• satisfying
• strong
• telling

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

And that now is, by far, the most compelling part of the film. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 19 Feb. 2025

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. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025

He’s built a compelling argument to go down as the most accomplished Canadian men’s hockey player of all time. —Chris Johnston, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025

Preparing for a speaking engagement—from crafting a compelling narrative to rehearsing your delivery—requires freeing part of one’s schedule, which can feel impossible amid competing priorities. —Federico Sendra, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

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