1
as in convincing
having the power to persuade
made a compelling argument against military intervention
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in urgent
needing immediate attention
no compelling need to raise taxes at this time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in forcing
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
public opinion compelled her to fire her scandal-plagued aide
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of compelling
Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 6 June 2025
There were many reasons why the change was sought, but one of the most compelling was the city’s unfunded pension obligations, which started coming to a head in 2001.
—Donna Frye, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—Jackie Fields, People.com, 27 May 2025
This $150 price drop is a pretty compelling reason to pick one up, whether for yourself or for a grad in your life.
—& John Mihaly, PC Magazine, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
Adjective
Following a quick recap of Season 1 to get newer viewers up to speed, the special movie event dives into the curse of the Evil Eye haunting Jiji, leading to some of the show’s most compelling drama and fight scenes.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 6 June 2025
There were many reasons why the change was sought, but one of the most compelling was the city’s unfunded pension obligations, which started coming to a head in 2001.
—Donna Frye, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—Jackie Fields, People.com, 27 May 2025
This $150 price drop is a pretty compelling reason to pick one up, whether for yourself or for a grad in your life.
—& John Mihaly, PC Magazine, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compelling
Adjective
-
These messages are far more convincing than the sloppy scams of the past.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2025
-
If their impressive durability isn’t convincing enough to add them to your virtual cart, the set’s 6,000-plus five-star ratings should be.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
Arsenal’s reticence to spend on development players is understandable — particularly in the case of last January, when there was also an urgent need for a first-team centre-forward.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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The appeals court said there is no urgent need for DOGE to access Social Security records in the interim.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
While another research review published this year in Nutrients says the research for athletic benefits in women isn’t yet conclusive, there are also reasons to suspect women may benefit from creatine at least as much as men, if not more, both inside and outside the gym, Dr. Smith-Ryan says.—
Cindy Kuzma,
SELF,
28 May 2025
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Though home blood pressure monitors are effective, a healthcare provider can provide more accurate and conclusive results.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
Exposure is linked to worsening symptoms in those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but acute cardiovascular risks, including heart attacks and strokes, may be even more pronounced.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
-
Timeline Expectations: The Long Road of Grief Normal grief timeline: Most young adults begin to experience some relief from acute grief symptoms within 6-12 months, though grief waves can continue for years.—
Charell G. Coleman,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
Pressuring or coercing someone into ending their life would be punishable by up to 14 years in prison.—
Alistair Smout,
USA TODAY,
29 Nov. 2024
-
That same sentence will remain for anyone found guilty of tricking, pressuring or coercing someone into making the choice if the bill is ultimately passed.—
David Hodari,
NBC News,
29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
-
According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.—
Elliot Hughes,
Journal Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2023
Verb
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By forcing his posts to the top of feeds, elevating like-minded voices, and driving critics off the platform, Musk revealed the raw power of ownership.—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
14 Apr. 2025
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So what’s driving the need for these changes?—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compelling. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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