- 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.
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
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
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
