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.
The pic is described as a propulsive thriller with two FBI agents investigating a murder perpetrated within the world’s most secure prison. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025 The New Mastersounds’ organist Joe Tatton, bassist Pete Shand and drummer Simon Allen provide Roberts with talented instrumental foils who can lay down one propulsive groove after another and share his penchant for crisp ensemble work. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2025 There’s only one concrete fact about time in One Battle After Another — at some point, 16 years pass between the film’s propulsive first act and the rest. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2025 As mentioned previously, the movie’s propulsive music is by Nine Inch Nails’ Oscar-winning duo Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Propulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propulsive. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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