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
Zekaj had repeatedly complained of violence from her husband and had moved away to live with her parents while asking for protection. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 With Adebayo and Antetokounmpo, Wade said, the duo have to move beyond who was in place first. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
Not far from the memorial, Jacksonville has opened a new medical examiner’s office and morgue across the street from a school, a move denounced by neighbors. — Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026 Is that the kind of hubristic myth-of-genius move that often drives proxy firms and large shareholders crazy? — Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • In the 1960s, archaeologists carried out a massive project to dismantle and relocate the temple, moving it out of the path of rising waters created by the Aswan High Dam.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Somewhere down the line, Sheridan relocated and retitled the show.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Pratt, a 22-year-old rookie whose go-ahead hit sparked the Brewers to a 5-4 win in Game 2, drove a slider into the left-field seats against Seymour.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In recent years, General Motors has consistently sought to demonstrate that its investments in autonomous driving systems and software services can yield high margin revenue and open new growth frontiers.
    — , CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Election forecaster Cook Political Report shifted Ohio’s gubernatorial race toward Democratic candidate Amy Acton on Friday after a week of backlash over an ad Republican Vivek Ramaswamy ran featuring her estranged mother.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Miller points out that the numbers are extremely volatile, and could shift big time by election day.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Smiling can affect brain chemicals that are associated with positive feelings including endorphins, dopamine and serotonin.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by warmer waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean that spur changes in the atmosphere that can affect weather around the world.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Though the board does not have the authority to forgive the charges, which will still be due by the end of the year, board President Allan Marks encouraged residents to enroll in programs that could help alleviate rising costs.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • According to Ueda, an enthusiastic online response encouraged its adaptation to feature length and a theatrical release.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The university admissions replacement system still has to be designed, and legal changes may be needed — leaving crucial decisions unresolved even as the government seeks to persuade students to end their protests.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The challenge was not simply to persuade undecided voters, but to get those who already preferred him to show up at the polls.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • National groups such as Indivisible and MoveOn are activating their own expansive networks.
    — STEVE PEOPLES, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Simply activate the offer and earn rewards on related spending.
    — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Shortly after, a heavyset man wearing gray sweats, white socks and black sandals and a black hooded sweatershirt exits the passenger-side door.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Saquon Barkley missed the previous two games because of a hamstring injury before exiting Monday's loss after just nine snaps with a back injury.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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