1
as in convincing
having the power to persuade
made a compelling argument against military intervention
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in urgent
needing immediate attention
no compelling need to raise taxes at this time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in forcing
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
public opinion compelled her to fire her scandal-plagued aide
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of compelling
Aj Thomas, Forbes, 3 Mar. 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 celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
—Sharareh Drury, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Nonetheless, there is something creepy and compelling in the prophetic strength that is harbored, and slowly revealed, by particular books.
—Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
And that now is, by far, the most compelling part of the film.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
Adjective
But that’s what true leadership looks like — betting on a vision so compelling that others have to follow.
—Aj Thomas, Forbes, 3 Mar. 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 celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
—Sharareh Drury, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Nonetheless, there is something creepy and compelling in the prophetic strength that is harbored, and slowly revealed, by particular books.
—Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
And that now is, by far, the most compelling part of the film.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compelling
Adjective
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Nathan enjoys analyzing and exploring his musical pieces and embraces every nuance to deliver stellar and convincing performances.—
Heide Janssen,
Orange County Register,
16 Mar. 2025
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His attachment to Lochy is entirely contingent upon the younger brother hanging on his every word and twisted idea — or at least putting on a convincing show of it.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Street Smart aims to spark empathy and inspire action in addressing the urgent challenges faced by unhoused youth—particularly those navigating mental health struggles, CPTSD, and LGBTQ discrimination.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
14 Mar. 2025
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The big picture: The closure comes after the National Transportation Safety Board's urgent recommendation earlier this week, following the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. in decades.—
Sareen Habeshian,
Axios,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
For instance, the Zantac litigation was lost due to a lack of conclusive evidence.—
Arnold Sotelo,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
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In a new interview with Classic Rock, bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson discussed the band’s conclusive world tour, which coincided with drummer Neil Peart‘s failing health.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The imbalance between the scarce supply of AI talent and the acute demand for it at Big Tech companies and startups alike, poses a looming predicament for the fast-growing AI industry.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Arsenal and Arteta’s long-term admiration remains and their need for a centre-forward is acute.—
Chris Waugh,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Pressuring or coercing someone into ending their life would be punishable by up to 14 years in prison.—
Alistair Smout,
USA TODAY,
29 Nov. 2024
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That same sentence will remain for anyone found guilty of tricking, pressuring or coercing someone into making the choice if the bill is ultimately passed.—
David Hodari,
NBC News,
29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
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According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.—
Elliot Hughes,
Journal Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2023
Verb
-
Josh told Christina while driving.—
Tracy Wright,
Fox News,
8 Jan. 2025
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Sustained powerful winds reaching nearly 100 miles per hour are driving fast-moving wildfires near Los Angeles, spewing smoke, destroying homes, closing roads, and forcing thousands of people to evacuate.—
Vox Staff,
Vox,
8 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compelling. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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