propulsive

adjective

pro·​pul·​sive prə-ˈpəl-siv 

: tending or having power to propel

propulsive force

Examples of propulsive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here — with generous assistance from Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and an excellent Ray Liotta as players in a propulsive story about the romance and horror of being a knock-around guy — Scorsese finds momentum. —Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026

There are allegories that can be read about fear of the unknown breeding cruelty and exploitation, but Disclosure Day is first and foremost a propulsive yarn with thematic roots in hope, truth, empathy and perhaps even spirituality. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026

This season, to see such robust, propulsive Black characters — all very different — in scenes together was extraordinary. —Selome Hailu, Variety, 1 June 2026

Rockets generate propulsive force, also known as thrust, by expelling high-velocity exhaust in a rearward stream. —Kai James, The Conversation, 26 May 2026

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

Rhymes for propulsive

• compulsive
• convulsive
• expulsive
• impulsive
• repulsive
• electroconvulsive