What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exigent
Example
The exigent circumstances required the police to act quickly. [exigent: adjective]
Example
The exigencies of the situation demanded immediate action. [exigencies: noun]
compelling
Example
The compelling evidence convinced the jury of the defendant's guilt. [compelling: adjective]
Example
The novel had a compelling plot that kept me reading until the end. [compelling: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compelling is more commonly used than exigent in everyday language. Compelling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while exigent is less common and typically used in formal or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exigent and compelling?
Exigent is a more formal word than compelling. It is often used in legal or official documents, while compelling can be used in both formal and informal contexts.