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moving

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verb

present participle of move
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word moving distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of moving are affecting, impressive, pathetic, poignant, and touching. While all these words 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

How do affecting and moving relate to one another?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

In what contexts can impressive take the place of moving?

While in some cases nearly identical to moving, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

When can pathetic be used instead of moving?

The meanings of pathetic and moving largely overlap; however, pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

When could poignant be used to replace moving?

The words poignant and moving are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

When would touching be a good substitute for moving?

In some situations, the words touching and moving are roughly equivalent. However, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of moving
Adjective
The problem is that Flanagan—known for eerie but subtle horror films like Hush and Oculus and Netflix series like Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Hill House—puts too many overly earnest quotation marks around what should be the most moving scenes. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 June 2025 Perhaps the most moving part of the evening was the presentation of the third and final MOCA Legends Award to renowned architect Frank Gehry, who renovated the old warehouse which houses the MOCA Geffen. Hadley Meares, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025 Related Articles The Pathlight suit, which shines a light on how the retail buyout came together last year, is one more moving part and potential expense. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 28 May 2025 The most moving moments of the program came from VOC Advisory Board member Zarah Meyer, who shared a heartfelt personal testimony alongside her 4-year-old daughter Rosie. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for moving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moving
Adjective
  • Cortisol rises during times of emotional or physical stress.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 5 July 2025
  • Stacy sought to foster emotional and physical self-reliance among its campers, according to Texas Monthly, which cited an old brochure from her time.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • On Thursday, Waterloo Records announced that the iconic store will be changing ownership and relocating from 600 North Lamar Blvd in 2025 after 35 years of business at this location.
    Mars Salazar, Austin American-Statesman, 2 Jan. 2025
  • The couple signed a multiyear deal with Netflix, reported to be worth $100 million after stepping back from their royal roles and relocating to her home state of California in 2020.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • By forcing his posts to the top of feeds, elevating like-minded voices, and driving critics off the platform, Musk revealed the raw power of ownership.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 14 Apr. 2025
  • So what’s driving the need for these changes?
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Embrace adaptability The pace of change in the workplace continues to accelerate, driven by advancements in technology, shifting economic conditions, and the global push towards sustainability.
    Andrew Fennell, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • As of next year, the European Film Academy is shifting its gala from December to mid-January to better position the EFAs in the award season.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This helps your healthcare provider check for infections, kidney problems, or other issues affecting your bladder and urinary tract.
    Sayaka Blickenderfer, PhD, Health, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Many social media users also suggest using a plastic spoon rather than a metal spoon when eating the product to avoid negatively affecting the live probiotics.
    Morgan Pearson, MS, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This will deepen the divide between the global North and South on issues of race and cultural difference, straining the West’s diplomatic relations with countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America while provoking broader resentment toward Western countries seen as perpetuating racial hierarchies.
    Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
  • In 2008, the United States suggested that Georgia and Ukraine might eventually join the alliance but offered no concrete path to membership, thus provoking Russia without effectively deterring it.
    Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The agency has sued companies for persuading veterans to sell their pension and disability payments, for charging military families more than thirty-six per cent interest on pawn loans, and for misleading servicemembers to take costly cash-out refinance loans on their homes.
    E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The Bears don’t appear to be having much trouble persuading offensive players to come to Chicago after hiring Johnson, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator.
    Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The existing podium of the nearby Palace of Youth has been extended to merge with the theater’s base, further enhancing connectivity and activating the area as a vibrant public space.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Engaging in conversations about race requires activating System 2—the slower, more intentional way of thinking—to disrupt those patterns and build deeper awareness.
    Ashley B. Stewart, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Moving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moving. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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