Synonyms of impel

impel

verb

im-ˈpel 

1

as in to drive

to set or keep in motion

gasoline impels a car's engine

Synonyms & Similar Words

• drive
• move
• activate
• propel
• actuate
• stimulate
• work
• motivate
• provoke
• trigger
• incite
• raise
• abet
• foment
• inspire
• excite
• arouse
• rouse
• stir (up)
• galvanize
• ferment
• whip (up)
• set off
• instigate
• inflame
• fire (up)
• trip
• enflame

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restrain
• regulate
• contain
• inhibit
• constrain
• control
• check
• curb
• rein (in)
• bridle

2

as in to compel

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure

I felt impelled to tell the truth, however painful it might be

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compel
• force
• coerce
• obligate
• oblige
• drive
• constrain
• pressure
• impress
• intimidate
• make
• muscle
• blackmail
• press
• dragoon
• bully
• sandbag
• threaten
• blackjack
• browbeat
• twist one's arm
• bulldoze
• terrorize
• hector
• drag
• cow
• menace
• shame
• harass
• high-pressure
• badger
• hound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• let
• allow
• permit
• induce
• move
• convince
• satisfy
• argue
• persuade
• talk (into)
• win (over)
• prevail (on or upon)

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb impel differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of impel are actuate, drive, and move. While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.

a candidate impelled by ambition

When is it sensible to use actuate instead of impel?

The synonyms actuate and impel are sometimes interchangeable, but actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion.

turbines actuated by waterpower

When is drive a more appropriate choice than impel?

Although the words drive and impel have much in common, drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.

a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

When would move be a good substitute for impel?

The words move and impel can be used in similar contexts, but move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position.

moved the furniture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of impel

Wayne Cornelius, an immigration scholar at the University of California, San Diego, has found that bleak job prospects are most likely to impel undocumented immigrants to leave. —Miriam Jordan, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

There simply was not an apparent burning platform to compel leadership to alter course—or to impel stakeholders to align on a new vision for the future. —Paul Laudicina, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Creating Equitable Opportunities For Learners Everywhere The intersection of technology and education is one of the most compelling areas to impel social and economic development. —Haroldo Jacobovicz, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Wayne Cornelius, an immigration scholar at the University of California, San Diego, has found that bleak job prospects are most likely to impel undocumented immigrants to leave. —Miriam Jordan, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025