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
Besides prestige projects that continue to boast some appeal, such market stalwarts as genre and animation are expected to continue to drive dealmaking at the AFM. Alex Ritman, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025 The next era of outdoor performance will be built around air-permeable, circular and athlete-driven innovation and Polartec is leading that charge. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
The Wildcats’ drive was eight plays for 80 yards and took only two minutes of game time. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2025 After a promising opening drive, Young was largely subdued in a game where the opposing defense was sold out on the run. Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drive
Verb
  • Under the public trees, children ran exultantly between cars.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The thumping Republicans took in this week's elections reflected longer-running anger among constituencies that already leaned Democratic, but the GOP needs to worry that the government shutdown will cause that frustration to spread.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The hope is that the talks could clear rising tensions between the world’s two largest economies and allow the global economy to keep motoring.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The hope in Southern California is that someday soon, the two will motor the franchise to its first Super Bowl championship.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • What Veblen saw as the public exhibition of wealth has become the performance of aspiration, now filmed, edited, and pushed through a recommendation feed.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Nov. 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, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • His rule finally came to an end in 1998 after the Asian financial crisis threw the country into economic turmoil, prompting widespread protests and forcing Suharto to resign – one of the last people power movements to sweep Southeast Asia and replace a Cold War-era autocrat with democracy.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The last of those darts was fired (initially on X) by Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, who is a resistance darling of the moment after forcing through new, Democrat-friendly congressional maps in his state last week.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • During inquiries, the ICO found 178 active email accounts using passwords identical or similar to those set by the organization’s IT desk when the account was activated.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a safe spot, like a nearby business parking lot, to pull over and stop.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Then, at the next vehicle entrance, the city is proposing a tunnel so bike traffic can move without interacting with cars.
    Amir Mahmoud, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The procession will travel along State Road 112 East to I-195, then from I-95 North to I-195 East and finally continuing into Miami Beach.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025
  • The airline also issued a flexible travel policy for anyone traveling during this time.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Running Fence was envisioned as a fabric-laden fence that would traverse Sonoma and Marin counties in Northern California to the sea, crossing roads, highways, and private property.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drive. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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