propulsive

adjective

pro·​pul·​sive prə-ˈpəl-siv How to pronounce propulsive (audio)
: tending or having power to propel
propulsive force

Examples of propulsive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As on the first album, for lack of a smarter term, there are those really propulsive songs, and then some songs that are quite pretty and melodic too. Chris Willman, Variety, 14 July 2025 Anita de Monte Laughs Last is a propulsive examination of power, love, and art, daring to ask who gets to be remembered and who is left behind in the rarefied world of the elite. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 14 July 2025 The result is a gripping, propulsive journey into the nuclear heart of what might have been. Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025 Lots of celebrity memoirs, essay collections and other propulsive nonfiction books can also make solid summer reading too. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for propulsive

Word History

Etymology

Latin prōpulsus, past participle of prōpellere "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward" + -ive — more at propel

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propulsive was in 1648

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Cite this Entry

“Propulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propulsive. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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