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drive

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of drive

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to urge, push, or force onward

cowboys drove the herd of cattle from San Antonio to San Francisco

Synonyms for drive

Words Related to drive

shepherd

wrangle

2 to travel by a motorized vehicle

I'm going to drive across the country—want to come?

Synonyms for drive

Words Related to drive

roll,
wheel

joyride

ride

drag,
race

3 to apply force to (someone or something) so that it moves in front of one

drove the plunger into the opening

Synonyms for drive

Words Related to drive

impel,
move

4 to cause (a person) to give in to pressure

the corrupt governor was driven out of office

Synonyms for drive

Words Related to drive

drag

Phrases Synonymous with drive

twist one's arm

Near Antonyms for drive

5 to cause to function

machinery driven by waterpower

Synonyms for drive

Words Related to drive

Near Antonyms for drive

Antonyms for drive

6 to set or keep in motion

this motor drives the gears, which then turn the shaft

Synonyms for drive

Words Related to drive

Near Antonyms for drive

7 to proceed or move quickly

the runner drove past the finish line and then came to a dead stop

Synonyms for drive

Words Related to drive

arrow,
beeline

Phrases Synonymous with drive

Near Antonyms for drive

Antonyms for drive

drive

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of drive (Entry 2 of 2)

1 a passage cleared for public vehicular travel

raced our motorcycles along the drive

Synonyms for drive

Words Related to drive

causeway

autobahn,
autoroute,
autostrada,
dual carriageway
[chiefly British],
interstate,
motorway
[chiefly British],
superhighway

beltway,
bypass,
parkway,
ring road
[chiefly British]

through street

alley,
alleyway

circle,
lane,
laneway
[British],
mews
[chiefly British],
place

close
[chiefly British],
cul-de-sac,
dead end

corridor

track,
trail

2 a series of activities undertaken to achieve a goal

a fund-raising drive for the school's marching band

Synonyms for drive

Words Related to drive

3 a strong wish for something

a drive to succeed in the television news business

Synonyms for drive

Words Related to drive

want,
wish

obsession

cacoëthes,
mania

Near Antonyms for drive

4 active strength of body or mind

senior citizens who exercise regularly are more likely to have the drive to keep up with their grandchildren

Synonyms for drive

Words Related to drive

Near Antonyms for drive

indolence,
laziness

Antonyms for drive

5 readiness to engage in daring or difficult activity

a great opportunity for a sales representative who is full of drive

Synonyms for drive

Words Related to drive

Near Antonyms for drive

Frequently Asked Questions About drive

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

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