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Synonyms

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • uncompelling adjective

Etymology

Origin of compelling

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It also helps to have a compelling reason for wanting to work remotely.

From The Wall Street Journal

That left him with "only Chinese nationality" -- compelling Cambodian authorities to extradite him to his home country, he added.

From Barron's

There was no instinct compelling him or any puffin to fly south.

From Literature

As the series unfurled, proving to a skeptical entertainment industry that women can be compelling antiheroes too, much of that talk revolved around Byrne.

From Los Angeles Times

One reason is that Nvidia already offered a compelling financial figure recently.

From MarketWatch