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.

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

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

Here it is to be noted that a prince must avoid ever joining forces with one more powerful than himself to injure others, unless necessity compels you, as was mentioned above.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli