moving

adjective

mov·​ing ˈmü-viŋ How to pronounce moving (audio)
1
a
: marked by or capable of movement
b
: of or relating to a change of residence
moving expenses
c
: used for transferring furnishings from one residence to another
a moving van
d
: involving a motor vehicle that is in motion
a moving violation
2
a
: producing or transferring motion or action
b
: stirring deeply in a way that evokes a strong emotional response
a moving story of a faithful dog
movingly adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for moving

moving, impressive, poignant, affecting, touching, pathetic mean having the power to produce deep emotion.

moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

Examples of moving in a Sentence

a moving story of a faithful dog He gave a moving speech at the memorial service.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As Jimmy Lennox, a musician carrying a torch for Susan Sarandon's Louise, Madsen got to do some of the most moving and mercurial work of his career. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 3 July 2025 One of the most moving elements of the book is all the friends who come and go as the pages flip, the many people who, in variety equal to their number, try to help Lacey cope (one gives her bricks to throw at a wall, another tells her to read Seneca). Diana Arterian june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025 On June 18, The Baltimore Sun published a very moving and poignant editorial cartoon showing a picture of Minnesota with the state’s eastern border as the silhouette of a weeping Uncle Sam. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2025 Messages of Hope, Delivered by Gamers A standout partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation brought this idea to life in a deeply moving way. Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for moving

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of moving was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moving. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

moving

adjective
mov·​ing
ˈmü-viŋ
1
: changing place or position
a moving target
2
: causing motion or action
3
: having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies
a moving story
4
a
: of or relating to a change of residence
moving expenses
b
: used for moving belongings from one place to another
a moving van
movingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on moving

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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