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
Pilot programs involving perennial grains are in the works around the world, testing how to grow them in different regions, climates and soils, but the research is early and slow-moving. ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 The analysis produced the estimate of nearly 6,000 people who could eventually be forced to move. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
As deadline day progressed, Everton felt there were some early warning signs regarding the Balogun move. Tom Burrows, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The suit framed this move as a significant demotion in both status and pay. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • The mudslide hit part of a village in Suichuan County in Jiangxi province in the early hours, prompting rescuers to rush to the scene and relocate residents to safer ground to prevent further danger, authorities said in a statement.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Harry and Meghan relocated to California in 2020 after stepping back as working members of the royal family.
    Christina Dugan Ramirez , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Haaland, along with Martin Odegaard, was the driving force behind Norway’s run to the quarter-finals.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • If Assembly Bill 1709 is approved, social media companies would need to provide platforms to children under 16 years old that do not include personalized feeds driven by algorithms, autoplaying videos and other features.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • As rehearsals move forward, Eisenberg repeats key scenes in the play and shoots them differently each time, his camera coming to represent Mona’s shifting perspective.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Sabra Gossett, a curator for the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum, said the choice to shift to Florida for missile launches came after issues with one launch out of New Mexico.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • From union rallies at Sacramento State to a major social media bill headed to the governor’s desk, this week brought developments that affect students, parents, homeowners and residents across the region.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • That would affect jobs and cause drops in sales, property and tourism taxes.
    Zoey Thomas, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Bunch said that one of his goals in the head role was to encourage Americans to embrace ambiguity and recognize that America is a complicated, multifaceted nation.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The stated purpose would be to encourage more people to fill out the forms without fear of having their privacy violated.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • That’s what will thwart Hamilton, even if Leclerc could be persuaded to support him, and at the same time undo Ferrari’s corporate strategy for years to come, around that contract extension.
    Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Like Shylock, Kaftan is persuaded by a Gentile into making an unwise and ultimately dangerous investment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Browns always envisioned defensive tackle Maliek Collins being activated from the physically unable to perform list in time to ramp up for the opener, and Collins is on schedule.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Not even in World War II had this full continuity posture been activated in this manner, and Stafford had to execute a plan the nation had trained for but never used.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Sánchez allowed two runs in the sixth inning of Game 1 of the 2025 NLDS but still exited with a lead.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey made six saves before exiting the match following a collision with Wave forward Ludmila.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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