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Glite Dictionary
compelling

compelling

298 5.1
So strong, interesting, and convincing that people cannot ignore it
  • adjective
  • /kəmˈpɛlɪŋ/
translation icon : convincente
  • The documentary presented a compelling argument for climate change action that was hard to ignore.
  • a compelling reason
  • a compelling interest
  • most compelling

I think the Olympics is compelling because of its scale.

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Examples

  • Well, there are three compelling reasons not to buy it.

  • But she's written a wonderfully compelling book that makes the case.

  • And it was just so funny and compelling and weird.

  • And the reason that I find it so compelling is that it's our home.

  • I have got a compelling reason not to lose my cool.

    Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

  • How then do we start to build a compelling setting into our stories?

    Academic text (2011)

  • And do you find the thought experiment compelling in its own right?

  • Our professional challenge is first to design a compelling model, then to deliver it effectively.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Although the plot is simple, it is a compelling one for Nathan.

    Academic text (1999)

  • It was a pretty compelling documentary.

    Samantha Rose (2021)

Synonyms

interesting
vscompelling
∞ 1.0

Attracting attention because it is new, exciting, or makes you think

is more intense often persuading or demanding attention beyond basic interest
fascinating
vscompelling
577 2.0

Very interesting in a way that keeps your attention

is broader and also includes convincing force beyond mere attraction
persuasive
vscompelling
99 3.9

Able to make someone believe or do something by giving clear reasons

is broader and also involves strong attraction or attention beyond argument
irresistible
vscompelling
88 3.8

Too attractive to refuse

is similar but often convinces by reason or overall strength rather than appeal
riveting
vscompelling
19 5.6

Makes you unable to stop paying attention

is broader and often convinces or exerts strong influence beyond excitement
engrossing
vscompelling
8 5.1

So interesting that it holds your full attention

is broader and often convinces or exerts strong influence beyond pure absorption
intriguing
vscompelling
7 2.7

Making you want to know more because it seems strange or mysterious

is stronger and forces attention rather than simply causing curiosity
enthralling
vscompelling
7 5.8

Very interesting in a way that keeps your attention

is less about charm and more about strength or convincing effect

Antonyms

unconvincing
11 5.1

Failing to make someone believe what you say

How Compelling

overwhelming
423 4.4
irresistible
88 3.8
compelling
298 5.1
engaging
12 3.5
interesting
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

compelling positive
compellinger comparative
compellingest superlative

Morphology

compelling = compel (transparent) = compel + ing

Formed from the verb 'compel' with the adjective-forming -ing (present participle); the meaning 'powerfully convincing' directly follows from 'to compel'.

Etymology

Compelling comes from compel, made of com- 'together' and pellere 'to drive', the same root you see in propel and expel. So a compelling idea or reason feels like a strong push or force that you cannot ignore.