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
From the tip line to the daily eliminations, viewers drive the tension. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025 Disney+ will also drive into theatrical feature film production, co-financing around four movies a year. John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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 As part of the drive for efficiency, NHS managers were pressured to keep bed vacancies low. David Luhnow, WSJ, 6 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for drive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drive
Verb
  • Frequency combs could change that by allowing many data channels to run simultaneously through a single optical fiber.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Ticketholders will be transported to the homes via shuttle buses that run continuously on the tour route.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The de facto captain oriented himself by motoring northwest along the coast towards Havana.
    Miriam Pensack, The Dial, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The suspect fled the scene, motoring his boat toward the Intracoastal Waterway.
    Chris Arnold, NPR, 28 Sep. 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.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2025
  • For Rick Neuheisel, the moment was enough to push him over the edge emotionally.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Lawrence attempted to go over the pile on a fourth-down snap from the 1-yard line, but Bolton greeted him there, slapping the ball away and forcing a fumble inches before the ball reached the line.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
  • But the shot contest forced Sarr to leave the restricted area and gave Mitchell Robinson an easy path for a putback.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At the same time, Mercury and Mars are activating your sector of expansion, meaning your inner philosopher is loud.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 5 Oct. 2025
  • There was no official announcement from Washington that the California National Guard was being called up and sent to Oregon, just as was the case when Illinois’ governor made a similar announcement Saturday about troops in his state being activated.
    Danny Bakst, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In a positive sign, Nunoo was moving his hands and fingers, according to Sutton.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
  • That includes other immigrants who continue to buy homes to move into or to invest in, even some without legal immigration status.
    Juan Cordoba, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 4-star Starlink Mini combines around-the-globe connectivity with a compact, efficient design that can travel almost anywhere with you.
    Wendy Sheehan Donnell, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Isabella Lozano had been traveling in the eastbound lanes of the freeway when the crash happened in front of her vehicle.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But the rebuilding of houses, roads, water and electricity systems will be a project lasting many years.
    Greg Myre, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The legislation will immediately enable our community additional funding tools to address roads and infrastructure needs today and allow planning for future transportation options tomorrow.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drive. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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