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

Colleen Hoover has distinguished herself as a master of propulsive plot. — Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026

The whole film in a way is this dark, hilarious, disturbing, propulsive gut-punch of a film. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026

Was Monday's propulsive rally, concentrated in the AI implementers of Big Tech, a sign that the market is revving to escape its summer-long stasis? — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

The Weapons and Barbarian writer-director’s exhilarating, goofy franchise debut is remarkably straightforward, taking audiences on a propulsive ride along with a poor sap who is about to have the worst day in his life. — Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 21 Sep. 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