PROPEL Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

propel

verb

prə-ˈpel

Definition of propel

as in to push

to apply force to (someone or something) so that it moves in front of one playfully he propelled his rambunctious friend into the swimming pool to cool off

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to drive

to set or keep in motion the aircraft is propelled by a pair of turboprop engines

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 propel Christopher began her career in tackle, being the only girl to ever play tackle football for East Lee County High School, and now she’s propelled to the highest level of the sport by her desire to see others follow in her footsteps. — Ava Dicecca, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2026 Though largely driven by surging housing prices, increases in food, transportation and childcare costs combined with stagnant local wages to propel Miami into cost-of-living notoriety. — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026 This is part of the backbone that has propelled Hendrick to the status of NASCAR’s all-time winningest organization. — Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 23 July 2026 What happened to the ship, why mysterious clues about the voyage keep popping up, and whether a grieving Vivian will demand answers or quietly carry on propel the story. — Monitor Reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for propel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for propel

Verb

The research firm added that while CXMT's technology still lags global memory leaders, domestic internet giants spearheading AI development will likely drive robust adoption of its chips as Beijing pushes for semiconductor self-sufficiency.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 July 2026
And this episode feels like the power dynamics are really pushing and grating against each other within Ormund and Daeron’s relationship.

— Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 July 2026

Definition of push

Verb

To prevent speculation that drives up land price without actual construction, the zoning benefits would be granted only on submission of building-permit applications.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Real estate has always been driven by connections between buyers and sellers.

— Heartland MLS®, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

Definition of drive

Verb

Coming off the awful travel out of Chicago from July 9 into July 10, in which the Red Sox had two plane issues and arrived just a couple hours before first pitch, Gray shoved.

— Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Even Christmas brought misery in the form of an ICE agent dressed up as Santa, who shoved away children trying to hug him, according to the detainee declarations submitted to the court.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of shove

Verb

That was an emotional accomplishment because Harvick was thrust into that seat after the great Dale Earnhart was killed in a crash in the last turn of the last lap of the Daytona 500 on February 18, 2001.

— Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
But only in recent years has raw milk, which once drew a fringe crowd, been thrust into the mainstream.

— Annie Waldman, ProPublica, 23 July 2026

Definition of thrust

Verb

Running beta code comes at the consumer’s own risk; diving into the settings to activate features not specifically enabled by Apple will increase that risk.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Air defenses were activated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, according to state media.

— Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026