compel
verb (used with object)
to force or drive, especially to a course of action.
was compelling
-
past progressiveof compel.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Element said the strategic and financial rationale of the deal was compelling, but opted to listen to shareholders who said they preferred the current setup of its management team and portfolio.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
The fateful way this guy kept coming back into my life was compelling, but it became so clear that he only valued one side of me.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2026
They had questions about whether the Nike brand was compelling enough to justify the company’s bigger push into those outside retailers.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 8, 2026
Identifying this structure was compelling evidence that the teeth on the tenaculum really are teeth and not leftover denticles.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2025
He was locked into a maintenance role: He was a custodian for the system who was unlikely to overturn the previous judgment, even if there was compelling evidence of innocence.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
