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Definition of movenext
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move

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb move differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of move are actuate, drive, and impel. While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position.

moved the furniture

In what contexts can actuate take the place of move?

The words actuate and move can be used in similar contexts, but actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion.

turbines actuated by waterpower

When might drive be a better fit than move?

While in some cases nearly identical to move, drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.

a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

Where would impel be a reasonable alternative to move?

The synonyms impel and move are sometimes interchangeable, but impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.

a candidate impelled by ambition

How does the verb move differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of move are actuate, drive, and impel. While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position.

moved the furniture

In what contexts can actuate take the place of move?

The words actuate and move can be used in similar contexts, but actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion.

turbines actuated by waterpower

When might drive be a better fit than move?

While in some cases nearly identical to move, drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.

a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

Where would impel be a reasonable alternative to move?

The synonyms impel and move are sometimes interchangeable, but impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.

a candidate impelled by ambition

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of move
Verb
Whenever a viral moment might have a remotely right-wing cast, the machinery moves into place. Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026 The Horned Frogs had a mix of air raid and veer-and-shoot principles under Briles, but are expected to move more to a pro-style scheme under Sammis, who had excellent success with that style of offense at UConn. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
Roughly 600 employees were pushed out during the layoffs, many through early retirement and probationary firings tied to the DOGE efforts — a move that lawmakers said left critical gaps in staffing at local forecast offices. Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026 In an unexpected move, OpenAI announced its video generating service Sora will be shutting down soon as the company comes under intense pressure from rival Anthropic. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • The British television industry gathering announced plans to potentially relocate last year, and organizers have now selected three bids to move forward for review.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
  • And before his television career, Rausch built a social media following as a snake wrangler in his native Alabama and across the South, posting videos of himself handling and relocating various reptiles as a part of his business.
    Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The decision to inaugurate the first urban Six Senses property in Rome was partially driven by the owner’s love of all things Italian and is part of a new drive to bring sanctuaries to bigger cities.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And in late February, just as attention began to shift away from Gaza, Israel and the United States launched a joint attack on Iran—a potentially epochal war that may end up dividing Jewish Americans no less than the Gaza war did, particularly if the conflict drags on and casualties mount.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Yainer Diaz softly grounded a first-pitch fastball, but toward an opening in the Angels’ shifted infield for a two-run single.
    Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Any benefit cuts, experts say, would more likely affect younger workers, those many years from retirement.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Meanwhile, employees at both DFW Airport and Love Field are collecting donations – including nonperishable food, hygiene items, baby supplies, and gas or grocery gift cards – to further support federal aviation workers affected by the shutdown.
    Lauren Crawford, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Saturn in your companionable 7th house is encouraging Pluto in your playful 5th house, so the energy of these cosmic powerhouses should be a little less hard to handle and a lot more fun!
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Those who noticed the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Paul Revere's engraving depicting the Boston Massacre was another example of using art to persuade people to the Revolutionary cause, Rudnick said.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Ever since the first caveman tricked his neighbor into trading a pile of rocks for some tasty mastodon steaks, con men have been persuading others to act against their own interests.
    Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The lefty underwent an elbow cleanup procedure at the start of the offseason; the Yankees hope to activate him sometime in April.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Like a grill, when activated by an operator, the drone stations open a lid.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Forward Evan Rodrigues, one of the few mainstays to take the ice Thursday, played just one shift and 49 seconds before exiting with a broken finger on his right hand in the Panthers’ eventual 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild at Amerant Bank Arena.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Traffic to enter and exit the subdivision is often congested during rush hour.
    March 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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