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.
The theme of underdogs fighting back against powerful characters was compelling for 1930s audiences, and the same thread runs through other genres.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 21, 2026
It was compelling evidence of a squad pulling in one direction and behind one man.
From BBC ● Mar. 14, 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
