moving

adjective

Definition of moving

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

play \ˈmü-viŋ-lē\ adverb

See moving defined for English-language learners

See moving defined for kids

Examples of moving in a Sentence

a moving story of a faithful dog
He gave a moving speech at the memorial service.

Recent Examples of moving from the Web

An animal control officer captured the dog and took it to the shelter, where it was claimed by an owner who explained that during a moving process, the animal escaped from a relative’s yard.

— Washington Post, "Fairfax County Animal Watch," 22 Aug. 2017
Your Carrier doesn't offer what traditional moving services offer.

— kelly poe, AL.com, "Your Carrier moving service to launch in Huntsville market Wednesday," 14 Aug. 2017
One of the most moving stories is the cast telling the life story struggles of bandleader Carpacho, as portrayed by actor Marvin Quijada.

— philip potempa, Post-Tribune, "'La Havana Madrid' resurrects nightclub with patron, performer stories," 8 Aug. 2017
Menashe Is a Moving Drama of Hasidic Life—David Sims appreciates Joshua Weinstein’s debut fiction film as a powerful, if small-scoped, depiction of a father and son living in a closed society.

— the editors, The Atlantic, "The Atlantic's Week in Culture," 4 Aug. 2017
Doing that could include moving production overseas or repurposing an existing smaller facility in the United States, as well as downscaling its operations.

— bengt halvorson, Car and Driver, "EV Startup Update: Faraday Future Scales Back, Lucid Talks to Ford," 19 July 2017
With an assist from our partners in Evansville, Lafayette, Muncie and Richmond, hundreds of historic photographs will give you a window into Indiana basketball's greatest games and most moving moments.

— kyle neddenriep, Indianapolis Star, "Notebook: After sister's death, Jared Hankins plays 'like every game is your last'," 14 July 2017
With an assist from our partners in Evansville, Lafayette, Muncie and Richmond, hundreds of historic photographs will give you a window into Indiana basketball's greatest games and most moving moments.

— kyle neddenriep, Indianapolis Star, "Notebook: After sister's death, Jared Hankins plays 'like every game is your last'," 14 July 2017
Although the video is only ten seconds long, the incredibly moving post has already gone viral.

— lisa ryan, The Cut, "Here’s the Sweet Video of a Somali Mom, Who Fled Civil War, Crying at Daughter’s College Graduation," 14 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'moving.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of moving

14th century

moving Synonyms

Synonyms

affecting, emotional, impactful, impressive, poignant, stirring, touching

Antonyms

unaffecting, unemotional, unimpressive

Related Words

eloquent, expressive, meaningful, significant; demonstrative, excitable, feeling, passionate, responsive, sensitive; exciting, inspirational, provoking, rousing, stimulating; dramatic, histrionic, melodramatic, theatrical (also theatric); cathartic

Near Antonyms

cold, cool, detached, dispassionate, emotionless; deadpan

Synonym Discussion of 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

MOVING Defined for English Language Learners

moving

adjective

Definition of moving for English Language Learners

: changing place or position
: having a strong emotional effect : causing feelings of sadness or sympathy
: relating to the activity or process of moving to a different place to live or work