1
as in driving
to set or keep in motion
gasoline impels a car's engine
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in forcing
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
I felt impelled to tell the truth, however painful it might be
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in compelling
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impelling
Verb
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By forcing his posts to the top of feeds, elevating like-minded voices, and driving critics off the platform, Musk revealed the raw power of ownership.—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
14 Apr. 2025 -
So what’s driving the need for these changes?—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In a category full of compelling options, this is arguably the most compelling choice.—
Karl Brauer,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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While summer nail color trends tend to be bright and sunny, with shades like swimming pool blue, cherry red, and butter yellow playing a starring role in a manicurist's palette, Robbie does make a compelling case for swapping your fresh white or jelly pink for an unexpected, gothy color.—
Allure,
Allure,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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The neighborhoods with the most billboards — and the most conspicuous billboards — include Pacific Beach, several stretches of El Cajon Boulevard and the Midway District near the city’s sports arena.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
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The design contributions are more notable for their judicious neutrality than any conspicuous style, though Chiara Costanza’s original score adds another atypical flavor.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
20 June 2025
Verb
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The existing podium of the nearby Palace of Youth has been extended to merge with the theater’s base, further enhancing connectivity and activating the area as a vibrant public space.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
14 Mar. 2025
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Engaging in conversations about race requires activating System 2—the slower, more intentional way of thinking—to disrupt those patterns and build deeper awareness.—
Ashley B. Stewart,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Pressuring or coercing someone into ending their life would be punishable by up to 14 years in prison.—
Alistair Smout,
USA TODAY,
29 Nov. 2024
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That same sentence will remain for anyone found guilty of tricking, pressuring or coercing someone into making the choice if the bill is ultimately passed.—
David Hodari,
NBC News,
29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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As sheriff, Tony has shown a striking lack of political awareness with his spending requests.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
28 June 2025
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Fans backed Asuka during a striking battle, which ended with a stiff backhand from Asuka punctuated by a Codebreaker.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Yet the gold trade is booming, enriching generals and propelling the fight.—
Saif Hasnat Atul Loke,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2024
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And some happen later, propelling teams to a postseason run.—
Colton Pouncy,
The Athletic,
16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Similar parents commenting on Diwa's post said the switch made a noticeable difference in their own homes, with several sharing anecdotes of improved moods and calmer transitions to offscreen activities.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
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Whereas androgenetic alopecia is characterized by the shrinking of hair follicles, which leads to thin, barely noticeable hair, the key indicators of CCCA are inflammation and damage to the follicles.—
Sierra Leone Starks,
Allure,
24 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Impelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impelling. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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