compels

VERB

force to act

Synonyms

STRONGEST

constrain enforce exact impel necessitate oblige urge

STRONG

bulldoze coerce concuss dragoon drive hustle make restrain squeeze

WEAK

crack down make necessary put the arm on put the chill on shotgun throw weight around turn on the heat

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dissuade

STRONG

discourage halt leave alone stop

WEAK

block check delay deter hinder impede obstruct

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

compels

A subpoena compels a party to release specified internal documents or information.

From BBC ● May 27, 2026

The written word compels you to think and a heightened conscience is one of the essential elements required to bring about change.

From Barron's ● May 21, 2026

Shameful pride compels me to say there are only about 300 players in the Hall of Fame.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 12, 2026

There’s also a family curse, which is what ultimately compels Rachel to stay, even at a reception that echoes Luis Buñuel’s “The Exterminating Angel.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 26, 2026

We stick close to the walls as we approach, but the frenzy from the blackout compels the guards to rush from their posts to secure the Mess and the Hub.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed