move 1 of 2

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
  • Those moves unfold in the heart of the Pittsburgh Innovation District, where Oakland’s mix of universities, hospitals and startups is driving new construction and intensifying competition for space around campus.
    Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • The shooting took place in Towson Circle as the Majied and the suspect were driving in different cars.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 23 June 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
  • Rissetto encourages her patients to cut back on alcoholic beverages.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Israel has historically negotiated with Palestinian militant groups to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners and detainees even as critics warned the practice could encourage more kidnappings.
    Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • But by that point, the banks were so overwhelmed that they could, at least in theory, be persuaded to settle for far less than they were owed.
    Paula Aceves, Curbed, 26 June 2026
  • Contributors know Percy’s films often become the defining accounts of major events, which helps persuade them to take part.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Beliefs bump against reality as the emotional Moon activates your 9th House of Learning, quincunx combative Mars in your 4th House of Home.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2026
  • The previous phases decompress, mobilize and activate individual areas; this one integrates all of those aspects into coordinated, whole-body functional movement.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The Islander will exit the show following episode 20 amid fan backlash.
    Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026
  • Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick announced his retirement from international football today, a day after the country exited the World Cup in the group stage.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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