Word
compelling
Phoneticscom·pelling
US/kəmˈpɛɫɪŋ/
UK/kəmpˈɛlɪŋ/
Definitions
01very interesting
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. so interesting or exciting that you want to keep watching or reading.
adj. captivating or holding one's attention through intense interest or excitement.
“The movie was so compelling that I didn't look at my phone once.”
“The documentary offers a compelling narrative of the city's history, weaving together personal interviews and rare archival footage.”
Synonyms
02persuasive
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. strong enough to make you believe that something is true or right.
adj. capable of eliciting belief or agreement through logical or evidentiary force.
“The lawyer presented a compelling argument that convinced the jury.”
“Despite the lack of physical evidence, the prosecutor built a compelling case based on the consistency of the witness testimonies.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03forceful
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. a feeling or reason that is so strong you feel you must do something.
adj. exerting a strong, irresistible influence or psychological necessity.
“He felt a compelling need to tell the truth about what happened.”
“The board found no compelling reason to change the existing policy before the end of the fiscal year.”
Synonyms
04act of forcing
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. the act of forcing someone to do something.
n. the act of compulsion or the state of being obliged to perform an action.
“The compelling of witnesses to testify is a standard part of the trial.”
“Legal scholars debated whether the compelling of such testimony violated the defendant's constitutional protections against self-incrimination.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “compelling” in context.
Verb
01. find the argument compelling
“Most jurors found the defense's argument compelling enough to reach a not-guilty verdict.”
verb + noun + adj
02. make a compelling case
“The scientists made a compelling case for immediate action on climate change.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
03. compelling evidence
“The prosecution presented compelling evidence that linked the suspect to the scene of the crime.”
adj + noun
04. compelling narrative
“The documentary weaves a compelling narrative about the challenges of urban poverty.”
adj + noun
05. compelling reason
“There is no compelling reason to change the existing policy at this stage.”
adj + noun
06. compelling to watch
“The political drama was so compelling to watch that I finished the entire series in one weekend.”
adj + infinitive
07. utterly compelling
“Her performance on stage was utterly compelling, holding the audience in complete silence.”
adv + adj
Real-World Examples
“That Welsh has finally realised this story in such an expansive, compelling and heartfelt novel is something of a literary triumph, proof that this medium remains the best kind of long-form narrative.” “High sopranos and low basses performed unearthly feats of endurance, and the precision of the whole – a musical mosaic constructed before our eyes – was utterly compelling.” “Ahead of the autumn budget, there is a compelling argument for Burnham’s government to take action.” “The snow leopard is the protagonist of Kulbhushansingh Suryawanshi’s first book, a compelling and intimate look at this elusive mountain specialist.” Etymology
By surface analysis, compel + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
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