compelling

American  

[kuhm-pel-ing] / kəmˈpɛl ɪŋ /

adjective

1. tending to compel, as to force or push toward a course of action; overpowering.

   There were compelling reasons for their divorce.

2. having a powerful and irresistible effect; requiring acute admiration, attention, or respect.

   a man of compelling integrity; a compelling drama.

---

compelling British  

/ kəmˈpɛlɪŋ /

adjective

1. arousing or denoting strong interest, esp admiring interest

2. (of an argument, evidence, etc) convincing

---

Other Word Forms

• uncompelling adjective

Etymology

Origin of compelling

First recorded in 1490–1500; compel + -ing ²

Example Sentences

He is at his most compelling when introducing us to lesser-known figures in the history of psychoanalysis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

“While the long-term case remains compelling, the transition carries execution, competitive and cyclical risks,” he wrote.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

“The notion that they inadvertently failed to add reports to this case is just not compelling to this court. This is something that should have been looked at and it wasn’t.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

But the mystery proved too compelling to ignore.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

But he made one compelling point that showed Lawrence and Alvarez how they might restore the program to Washington’s front burner.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• fascinating