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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 National Transportation Safety Board said on Saturday that the pilot of the American Airlines plane that collided with a Black Hawk helicopter earlier this week may have witnessed the incoming danger and tried to move the plane upward to avoid the crash. Zach Lachance, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Feb. 2025 Royal Caribbean’s stock has already gained nearly 16% so far this year, after moving 78% higher in 2024 and rallying 162% in 2023. Michelle Fox, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2025
Noun
The Tina Turner-esque dress was covered in fringe, perfect to show off her dance moves. Hedy Phillips, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025 Crow, an Army combat veteran, was highly critical of the move by ICE to use Buckley for any detention when news of it first broke last week. John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for move 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • Maybe the Evil Empire really has relocated to the West Coast.
    Chris Kirschner, The Athletic, 29 Jan. 2025
  • According to Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7's website, the snakes the service removes are relocated to less populated areas.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In a nine-year major league career with Boston and Chicago, Moncada hit 93 home runs, drove in 339 runs, and slashed .254/.331/.424.
    Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Omega-6 fatty acids have also been implicated in the processes that drive colon cancer.
    Mary J. Scourboutakos, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Even though direct tobacco advertising in sports has shifted due to regulations, the involvement of Grizzly Nicotine Pouches signals a resurrection of this legacy in NASCAR, albeit in a modern form.
    Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The various surfaces, the way light is reflected off each of them, always shifting.
    Karl Ove Knausgaard, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Amyloid proteins affect cognitive function and contribute to cognitive decline.8 One large meta-analysis observed a 29% reduction in the risk of all-cause dementia with regular tea drinking.
    Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025
  • The show, which will help to raise funds for those who were affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, will broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and will be available to stream live and on demand via Paramount+.
    Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This can involve recognizing and celebrating individual and team achievements, encouraging open and honest feedback, and providing opportunities for team members to build personal connections.
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The city’s tourism bureau, Visit Denver, released the list of restaurants on Wednesday on the event’s website and is encouraging customers to make reservations in advance.
    Miguel Otárola, The Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Due to those risks, local officials were able to persuade corps officials to reduce the amount of water initially planned for release.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Cotton leaned hard on the White House to persuade, not pressure, arguing that an overly combative approach could be counterproductive for people like Young.
    Stef W. Kight, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Shortly after, troopers observed the vehicle heading south on I-91 and followed the vehicle without lights or sirens activated, according to state police.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2025
  • The month begins with Venus conjunct Neptune in Pisces, activating your expansive ninth house of self-discovery.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Strong and her daughter safely exited their home and waited for officers from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office to arrive.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Another attorney — Radhika, 28, from New York — exits the limo doing a Bollywood dance, and Allyshia (29-year-old interior designer from Florida) asks the Bachelor to make a wish on her magic lamp.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near move

Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on move

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