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compelling

adjective
com·​pel·​ling | \ kəm-ˈpe-liŋ How to pronounce compelling (audio) \

Definition of compelling

: 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
Other Words from compelling Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about compelling

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Other Words from compelling

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 But the model works only for people who can be made sympathetic and compelling. — Masha Gessen, The New Yorker, "The Release of Oleg Sentsov and the Plight of Those Left Behind," 10 Sep. 2019 Nearly as compelling as the dysfunctional Logan family is the luxurious backdrop against which the characters' predatory behavior unfolds. — Hugh Hart, Fortune, "An Inside Look at ‘Succession’s’ Corporate Melodrama With Adam McKay and Kieran Culkin," 8 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'compelling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of compelling

1606, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for compelling

see compel

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More Definitions for compelling

compelling

adjective
How to pronounce compelling (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of compelling

: very interesting : able to capture and hold your attention
: capable of causing someone to believe or agree
: strong and forceful : causing you to feel that you must do something

See the full definition for compelling in the English Language Learners Dictionary

compelling

adjective

Legal Definition of compelling

: that compels : tending to demand action or to convince a compelling need for disclosure a compelling argument

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More from Merriam-Webster on compelling

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with compelling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for compelling

Spanish Central: Translation of compelling

Nglish: Translation of compelling for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of compelling for Arabic Speakers

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