compel
verb (used with object)
to force or drive, especially to a course of action.
will compel
-
future tenseof compel.future tense
Used to express actions, events, or states that have not yet occurred but are expected to happen.
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.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said in a social-media post that “any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
Its bid to join the European Union, which began just four days after the Russian invasion, will compel Ukraine to continue reforming.
From Barron's ● Jan. 23, 2026
The real target, though, appears to be Johnson, who has failed to instruct the Capitol archictect to install the plaque; he plaintiffs hope the lawsuit will compel him to do so.
From Salon ● Jun. 12, 2025
It will compel bodies such as the police to tell the truth and avoid "defending the indefensible".
From BBC ● Mar. 17, 2025
“Neither sleet nor rain nor a half inch of snow will compel me to dress like a lumberjack.”
From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman
