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Definition of movenext
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move

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb move differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of move are actuate, drive, and impel. While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position.

moved the furniture

In what contexts can actuate take the place of move?

The words actuate and move 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 might drive be a better fit than move?

While in some cases nearly identical to move, drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.

a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

Where would impel be a reasonable alternative to move?

The synonyms impel and move are sometimes interchangeable, but impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.

a candidate impelled by ambition

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 move
Verb
Your perceptive nature senses a family need, household issue, or emotional loose end that should be handled before bigger plans move forward. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026 For months, shipping companies have been in wait and see mode, carefully calculating the risk of moving ships through the strait. Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Noun
The sophomore guard is heading to Minnesota, the move coming after the Brooklyn Nets selected Evans with the 33rd overall pick in Wednesday night's second round with a pick that will be shipped to the Timberwolves as part of a pre-draft trade. CBS News, 24 June 2026 The case went to trial in March, but days into the trial, the DOJ had settled with Live Nation in a move that seemed to surprise the plaintiff states participating in the case as well as the judge overseeing the proceedings. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • But the Charlotte Fire Department says overnight response times in the Ayrsley area are higher than usual because firefighters temporarily relocated to other stations.
    Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026
  • Citing air quality concerns, the LAUSD has relocated students in the Boyle Heights area to different campuses through Wednesday.
    Austin Turner, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • The abnormal heat has been driven by the onset of El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by unusually warm waters along the equatorial tropical Pacific Ocean.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Congestion is difficult to predict, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, when driving behavior shifted and peak traffic hours spread out instead of sticking to the more uniform 9-to-5 workday.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The border shifted and changed hands here at least four times in the 19th century and a fifth time in the 20th, tugged south by war and treaty, peace talks and purchases.
    Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • While shows like these still exist (Dora even got a modern reboot) Gen Alpha has shifted their viewing habits almost entirely online.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026
  • At least 383 buildings and over 1,000 other structures had collapsed or were heavily affected, and officials were still assessing the damage.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Valentine also testified that the FDA encourages infant formula companies to send in all adverse event reports and that nothing prevented Mead Johnson from doing so.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Going forward, the city will encourage data center developers to submit an application for a special use district, meaning the site would specifically be used for a data center, nothing else.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Since Mary Grace’s death, her parents have poured their energy into persuading lawmakers to make camps safer by banning cabins in active flood plains, mandating 24-7 weather monitoring and requiring rigorous annual evacuation training.
    Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
  • Marketing and communications professionals rely on language to inform, persuade and connect with audiences.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2026
  • Scent activates pathways that trigger emotional and memory responses.
    Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Multiple male suspects exited a white truck, Chicago police said, citing preliminary information.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • Japan gave Brazil a scare, taking the lead in the round of 32 match between the teams before conceding a last-gasp goal to exit the tournament.
    Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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