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.
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Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
The technology's current limitations suggest that human developers will remain essential for creating compelling, polished game experiences for now.
—ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025
However, doing so makes for a more compelling Pixel 9a launch and will presumably tempt more users to upgrade.
—Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
But his music, co-written with longtime guitarist Steve Stevens, was just as compelling.
—Lily Moayeri, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
The technology's current limitations suggest that human developers will remain essential for creating compelling, polished game experiences for now.
—ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025
However, doing so makes for a more compelling Pixel 9a launch and will presumably tempt more users to upgrade.
—Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
But his music, co-written with longtime guitarist Steve Stevens, was just as compelling.
—Lily Moayeri, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 2025.
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