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

Experts say heavy bomber drones are very useful against non-moving targets, as well as against groups of soldiers or bunkers, but are typically used at night. —Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025

However, the idea that Richardson’s second benching in nine months can somehow be spun into a positive for his development isn’t very moving. —James Boyd, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025

King told the Statesman that non-moving water bodies can act like Petri dishes in the summer heat, allowing cyanobacteria numbers to explode under the right conditions. —Alex Music august 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Aug. 2025

One of the most moving statements came from Amy, who had since moved out of state and read it on video. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 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