Showing results for compels.

compels

VERB

force to act

Synonyms

STRONGEST

constrain enforce exact impel necessitate oblige urge

STRONG

bulldoze coerce concuss dragoon drive hustle make restrain squeeze

WEAK

crack down make necessary put the arm on put the chill on shotgun throw weight around turn on the heat

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dissuade

STRONG

discourage halt leave alone stop

WEAK

block check delay deter hinder impede obstruct

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

The law also compels AI to send break reminders every three hours to users under 18.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025

It’s an unfortunate talent that has profound power in the era of social media, where the ability to perform often compels people far more than facts.

From Salon • Dec. 1, 2025

It can be done by changing the content of communication, by making a message so memorable that it sticks in someone’s mind and compels them to action.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell