- present tense form of compel (3rd person singular).
compels
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.
It’s not just their goony sense of humor that compels them to make silly intro videos and do funny accents.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 8, 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
It is, as yet, a dud — a $2,000 slot machine that pays out a Community Note dressed as a verdict, in a process that compels nothing and binds no one.
From Salon ● Apr. 23, 2026
The State of the Union can be messy and frequently doesn’t live up to the hype, yet it compels the chief executive—and his critics—ultimately to address themselves to the source of American power, the people.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 23, 2026
“I wonder what compels a fully grown man to surround himself with playthings,” he said.
From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore
