adj
Common
compelling
kuhm-PEH-lihng
Compelling (adj) means So interesting or convincing that it grabs and holds your attention. Example: “There is a compelling reason to leave early, because the roads flood.”
adj
1
So interesting or convincing that it grabs and holds your attention.
"There is a compelling reason to leave early, because the roads flood."
"The documentary told a compelling story about survival."
"Her compelling argument won over the entire jury."
How to use compelling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPowerfully interesting or persuasive — hard to look away from or argue against.
Common pairings
compelling story
compelling evidence
compelling reason
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Word forms
- Plural
- compellings
- Comparative
- more compelling
- Superlative
- most compelling
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There is a _____ reason to leave early, because the roads flood.
Etymology
From compel plus the adjective ending -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for compelling
telling
welling
selling
yelling
felling
spelling
dwelling
swelling
smelling
shelling
gruelling
modelling
See all rhymes for compelling →
Frequently asked questions
What does “compelling” mean?
The word “compelling” means so interesting or convincing that it grabs and holds your attention. In plain terms, powerfully interesting or persuasive — hard to look away from or argue against.
How do you pronounce “compelling”?
“Compelling” is pronounced kuhm-PEH-lihng (/kəmˈpɛlɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “compelling” in a sentence?
Here is “compelling” used in a sentence: “The documentary told a compelling story about survival.”
What part of speech is “compelling”?
“Compelling” is an adjective.
Is “compelling” a common word?
“Compelling” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between compelling and convincing?
Convincing describes something that persuades you it is true or right, such as a convincing alibi. Compelling is stronger and broader: a compelling argument practically forces agreement, and a compelling story grips your attention even when nothing is being argued.
What is the difference between compelling and compulsive?
Compelling means so interesting or convincing that it grabs and holds your attention, as in a compelling documentary. Compulsive describes behaviour driven by an irresistible inner urge, as in a compulsive gambler, though British English also uses "compulsive viewing" for something hard to stop watching.
Is compelling a positive word?
Usually yes: calling a book or a case compelling praises how strongly it holds attention or persuades. In phrases like "a compelling need" or "compelling reasons," it is neutral, simply signalling urgency and force rather than approval.
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