- 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.
There are few artists, let alone individuals of any stripe, whose loss compels a national day of mourning.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
But the luminous interior, designed by a man of such profound piety that he was known as “God’s architect,” compels awe even in those devoid of religious belief.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
A subpoena compels a party to release specified internal documents or information.
From BBC ● May 27, 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
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
