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

But strategic retirements like this might be the most compelling argument.

From Salon

Nevertheless, her presence is so compelling that we root for Ruth every time she’s onscreen.

From Los Angeles Times

Periods of volatility often create the most compelling opportunities to revisit prior ideas with fresh perspective.

From Barron's

While Mr. Grace’s discussion is rather academic, it is nonetheless compelling reading for anyone who has thought about how to analyze information.

From The Wall Street Journal

Byrne, possessed of the saddest, most compelling resting face since Garbo’s, broke through in the U.S. with “The Dead Girl,” “28 Weeks Later” and the FX series “Damages.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fascinating