Showing results for compels.

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.

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

And yet, it’s rare to find a storefront that compels me to pause and look, as so few display anything other than exactly what is on the racks inside.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

The law also compels AI to send break reminders every three hours to users under 18.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025

The law compels the justice department, FBI and federal prosecutors by 19 December to disclose the tranche of materials amassed during investigations into Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2025

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