moving

adjective

mov·​ing ˈmü-viŋ 

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

ˈmü-viŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• emotional
• impressive
• touching
• exciting

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing moving

• get moving
• moving force/spirit
• moving picture
• moving staircase
• moving van
• moving violation

Rhymes for moving

• grooving
• proving
• approving
• disproving
• earthmoving
• improving
• nonmoving
• removing
• reproving
• unmoving
• disapproving

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