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
The safe-haven US Treasury market has been on fire in recent days as traders have been pricing in Fed rate cuts, which tend to drive yields lower and prices higher (prices and yields trade in opposite directions). David Goldman, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025 It’s no longer being positioned as a road car and is instead only meant to be driven on the track. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
In a contest where the 49ers scored touchdowns on five straight drives in the game’s final 30 minutes, Charlotte (1-2) needed every last yard to fend off the Hawks’ explosive offense, which answered nearly every time Harrell and the 49ers’ offense found the end zone. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2025 Go for a Drive Weave through the heart of Grand Teton National Park with a scenic autumn drive. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drive
Verb
  • EDTIn a press conference, authorities shared security camera footage of the gunman running across a roof and jumping down from a building before leaving the Utah Valley University campus.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The design leans rustic (give or take a couple of Togo chairs), with moss green paneling, tartan upholstery, and wood beams running throughout.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Williams broke up a pass going one on one with talented Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith, and Norman-Lott motored his way to a one-arm sack of Jalen Hurts.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 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
  • On Wednesday, New York mayoral favorite Zohran Mamdani launched a public petition, calling on FIFA to make tickets to 2026 World Cup games—including the final in New Jersey—affordable, pushing the international soccer organization to set aside 15% of seats for locals in particular.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Kuomintang, or KMT, also known as the Nationalist Party of China, is the party formerly led by Chiang Kai-shek that ruled the entirety of the Republic of China before Mao Zedong’s communist military forced it to flee to Taiwan.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The show also featured a number of first-time nominees and first-time winners like Tramell Tillman, Jeff Hiller, Hannah Einbinder, and Owen Cooper, all of whom were been forced to amend their moment in the spotlight to adhere to the joke.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As Lyles started to activate his signature top-end speed, his Jamaican competitors continued to pull away ahead of him.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The Angels already had a catcher on the concussion list, but Logan O’Hoppe has been progressing well and he’s expected to be activated when the Angels begin a series in Milwaukee on Tuesday.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Plants can’t move like people do, so they are exposed to the sun all day long, Fuller said.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Both offenses are moving with little resistance thus far.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Cutting an image that contrasted with Ali’s more libertine act, Frazier traveled with his family, including his teenage son, Marvis, an aspiring boxer himself.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Pledges to give it all away A good friend of philanthropist Michael Milken who has raised billions of dollars for cancer research, Ellison believes the road to bliss is altruistic giving.
    Martine Paris, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Studies have also shown that the extra hour of daylight has resulted in safer roads, lower crime rates and economic benefits.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drive. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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