- 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.
Jaques posited that middle age compels people to lean in to “the tragic, reflective and philosophical.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
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
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
“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
