Compels
Editorially verified for the Oct 16, 2026
7 Across
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Clue explained
To force someone is to compel them, often by applying pressure or leaving them little choice. “The deadline forces us to decide today” gives the same sense as “compels us to decide.”
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- Definition
WaPo Crossword
This clue's Friday, October 16, 2026 appearance
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The answer to “Compels” in the The Washington Post crossword is FORCES — a 6-letter word. It most recently appeared in the The Washington Post crossword on October 16, 2026, a Friday puzzle, at 7-Across. Below you'll find why that fill fits, every other answer we've recorded for this clue, and links into the puzzle it came from.
“Compels” answer
FORCES (6 letters)
Reveal the solution one letter at a time with the tiles above if you'd rather nudge yourself toward it than see the whole word at once. Just want it outright? The answer is FORCES.
What does FORCES mean?
Reading the plain dictionary sense of FORCES is often the fastest way to see why it answers this clue.
(noun)
- strength or energy as an attribute of physical action or movement
- coercion or compulsion, especially with the use or threat of violence
- mental or moral strength or power
When else has “Compels” appeared?
The Washington Post reuses clues across dates, sometimes with a different answer depending on the grid. Here's where this exact clue has shown up, and what the answer was each time — handy when you're checking whether today's fill is the only one.
October 16, 2026 (most recent) → FORCES. We haven't indexed another appearance of this exact clue yet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the answer to “Compels”?
The answer is FORCES, a 6-letter word. It most recently appeared in the The Washington Post crossword on October 16, 2026.
How many letters is the answer to “Compels”?
6 letters: FORCES.
When did this clue appear?
Most recently in the The Washington Post crossword on October 16, 2026 (a Friday puzzle), at 7-Across.
Can “Compels” have a different answer?
Yes — The Washington Post sometimes reuses a clue with a different solution to fit the grid. The answers we've recorded for each date it appeared are listed above when available.
Where can I find the rest of this day's WaPo Crossword answers?
The full grid for October 16, 2026 is on the WaPo Crossword answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.
The Washington Post Crossword is published by The Washington Post; WordHint is an independent site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the publisher.
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