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.
The hope is that squeezing the regime economically will compel it to resume negotiations for a political solution.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 13, 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
Another already announced power to be added as the Bill goes through Parliament will compel online retailers to alert police to bulk or suspicious sales of knives.
From BBC ● Feb. 24, 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
