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
The couple will reportedly move into a private, non-royal residence outside London. Jamie Timson, TheWeek, 21 Aug. 2026 Three years goes by very quickly, particularly in an industry in which films can take several years to move from development to theatrical release. Cory Jacobson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
Sant Ambroeus Aspen A bear recently wandered into a restaurant in Aspen, while another was spotted on Colorado State University's campus during move-in week. Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving back to the UK, and a big move like this comes with both pros and cons. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • The newer addition was the work of Southgate, a writer and translator who had relocated to the Springs with her husband, the novelist Peter Matthiessen, after several years at the center of the American-expat scene in mid-century Paris.
    Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 22 Aug. 2026
  • There are eight whales still to be relocated from Marineland, said SeaWorld spokesperson Tracy Spahr.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As such, this is meant to be a workhorse that's also enjoyable to drive.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The song has a driving bass line and would be interesting to perform with a live band.
    Christine Terrisse, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • This June, his administration largely shifted special-education oversight to HHS and the Office for Civil Rights to the Department of Justice.
    Claire Sibonney, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Rather, this is a dangerous, shape-shifting synthetic entity that ravaged their entire planet.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • This rainfall may produce life threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain and over areas that were affected recently by Hurricane Lala.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • But even those with insurance can be affected by a fractured system, said Joy Burkhard, CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • While the colors blend in with the landscape and may draw your eye outside, the rooms also encourage procrastinating.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Lee told the Queen that her husband’s candidness has encouraged many to feel more comfortable with their own cancer journeys.
    Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The king’s openness in talking about his diagnosis has been credited with persuading more men to be tested for prostate cancer and other forms of the disease.
    Danica Kirka, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Save to wishlist Melin Tregwynt Welsh Blanket Sanneh, who Miron Ahlers persuaded to join The Trail Club, sees the house as the next phase of the club.
    Sara Ruffin Costello, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Several other brands have activated during high-stakes competitions and inked their own collaborations that tap into the convergence of beauty and sports this year.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Ars Video When activated, Motion Assist adds small dots around the edges of your phone screen over top of the content.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Cantu’s wife, who heard her husband, then exits the home and comes to the horrid realization that her husband is dead or dying on the front yard.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Uncertainty about when the war with Iran will allow oil tankers to freely exit the Persian Gulf again has roiled markets, causing oil prices to rise and pushing up Treasury yields due to worries over inflation.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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