English · Word Candidate

compelling

/kəmˈpɛlɪŋ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: compellings

Sense 1

Meaning · English

very interesting; able to capture and hold one's attention

Adjective

The novel was so compelling that I couldn't put it down.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

capable of causing someone to believe or agree

Adjective

He made a compelling argument.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

An act of compulsion; an obliging somebody to do something.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “compelling” mean?

very interesting; able to capture and hold one's attention

Is “compelling” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.