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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of compelling
Jason Phillips, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
Produced, directed, and written by Perry, Duplicity aims to continue his legacy of compelling storytelling.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 19 Feb. 2025
The outspoken confidence of WNBA players in their abilities relative to NBA players provides a unique and compelling angle for a merger between these two leagues.
—Nafees Alam, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2025
The strange thing about Qu’s script is that her story is strong, anchored by two compelling characters and set in evocative locations, but most of the scenes are bluntly written.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compelling
Adjective
Acumen truly believes that video is the key to making these complex trade issues accessible and compelling.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for compelling
Adjective
-
His book has the deft touch that can come only when the ego of the journalist ebbs into something far more substantial and convincing.—
-
The headphones have been designed to extract as much detail as possible from the music by separating the instruments into a convincing soundstage.—
Adjective
-
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters A federal judge in Washington Monday appeared inclined to deny an urgent request to temporarily block Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency from firing employees or accessing sensitive records at half dozen federal departments.—
-
Despite differing political approaches, one thing is clear: New Mexico is facing an urgent crisis, and leaders across the political spectrum will need to find common ground to prevent further loss of life while navigating around Trump's plans to carry out large-scale mass deportations.—
Adjective
-
There’s simply not enough conclusive evidence to know precisely how these products influence cardiovascular health, Samantha Coogan, RDN, a nutrition sciences professor and director of the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, told Health.—
-
Now, researchers believe there is conclusive evidence the cave was home to cannibals.—
Adjective
-
Even against the background of the L.A. carnage, Australia’s experience is undeniably more acute.—
-
Polymicrobial infections are acute and chronic diseases that can be caused by a combination of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, according to the US National Insititutes of Health.—
Verb
-
Pressuring or coercing someone into ending their life would be punishable by up to 14 years in prison.—
-
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.—
Adjective
-
This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.—
-
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.—
Verb
-
Current funding landscape Investments from private companies globally have increased – these will likely continue to be an important factor driving fusion research forward.—
-
Sustained powerful winds reaching nearly 100 miles per hour are driving fast-moving wildfires near Los Angeles, spewing smoke, destroying homes, closing roads, and forcing thousands of people to evacuate.—
Cite this Entry
“Compelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compelling. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share