drive 1 of 2

1
as in to run
to urge, push, or force onward cowboys drove the herd of cattle from San Antonio to San Francisco

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to motor
to travel by a motorized vehicle I'm going to drive across the country—want to come?

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to push
to apply force to (someone or something) so that it moves in front of one drove the plunger into the opening

Synonyms & Similar Words

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drive

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in campaign
a series of activities undertaken to achieve a goal a fund-raising drive for the school's marching band

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb drive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of drive are actuate, impel, and move. While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.

a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

When might actuate be a better fit than drive?

The words actuate and drive 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 would impel be a good substitute for drive?

While the synonyms impel and drive are close in meaning, impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.

a candidate impelled by ambition

When could move be used to replace drive?

In some situations, the words move and drive are roughly equivalent. However, move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position.

moved the furniture

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 drive
Verb
According to the criminal complaint, Day called Thomas, who drove to his house in her pickup truck, which authorities allege was used to bring Soluri’s body to Bowie. Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025 Rising demand for lakefront property and high construction costs are driving up luxury housing prices. Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
The 10,200-square-foot home sits at the end of a private drive. People Staff, Peoplemag, 8 Feb. 2023 Details sent to the company included the health and read / write values of the drive using CrystalDiskInfo, which is a program that can read the SMART data embedded in most hard disks. Umar Shakir, The Verge, 7 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for drive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drive
Verb
  • Surround it with pumpkins, fashion it in front of a garland strand, or place it on a velvet table running across the manteltop to tie the whole look together.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
  • This look is perfect for landing in a style-conscious city like Paris or Chicago and hitting the ground running without needing a quick change in the airport bathroom.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • It was realized moments later when Tigers running back Jamal Roberts motored 63 yards for a cushion-building touchdown.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • There’s one that does so particularly well, though trades some spaciousness for motoring fun.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Ascent fought back against the defending league champion Tampa Bay Sun in a prime-time Gainbridge Super League matchup, thrilling an energetic Charlotte crowd on a night when kickoff was pushed back roughly 30 minutes due to thunderstorms.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • France’s government has collapsed after a vote of no confidence on Monday, forcing Prime Minister Francois Bayrou out of office after just nine months on the job.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Quarterback Brock Purdy, who delivered a clutch, game-winning drive after throwing two interceptions, has a bad shoulder and toe that could force him to miss Week 2.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • By that point though, United had activated on signing Senne Lammens.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Follow the link above to activate the best FanDuel promo code offer.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Officers said — and video showed — the rancher moved his hands into his jacket after exiting his truck immediately following the crash.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The website’s mobile observatory — which moves about in search of clear skies — will this year be in Cyprus, where the partial eclipse phases occur 30 minutes after moonrise, with totality an hour after that.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Reporter Duaa Eldeib interviewed Sutton-Schulman and L multiple times and traveled to North Carolina for additional reporting.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Who isn't searching for Japan travel?
    Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Of course, other corporations have been down a similarly troubled road in recent years.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Bobcats went on the road Thursday night and struggled in the second half in a 38-21 loss against Lewisville at Max Goldsmith Stadium.
    Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drive. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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