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.

A sense of duty, rooted for many in a profound Christian faith, impelled each to take extraordinary risks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 2025

What impelled him, and what does it mean?

From Slate • Sep. 26, 2025

But the 1933 Cuban Revolution impelled his family’s flight from the island, dashing Desi’s hopes of a legal career.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2025

His frustration and anger at the press, however, impelled him to buck convention by suing newspaper owners — allegedly against the wishes of his father, now King Charles III.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2023

She saw grief-stricken children in desperate need, and every instinct within her impelled her to sweep them into her arms and nurture them.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown