move 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

move

2 of 2

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
How To Play Connections Connections is the second-most popular NYT Games puzzle game outside of the main crossword itself, and an extremely fun, free offering that will get your brain moving every day. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025 And while there’s no telling what the Twins’ roster might look like next year after an offseason that’s likely to feature changes following yet another disappointing season, Clemens has positioned himself well moving forward. Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
But as the Federal Reserve prepares to cut rates for the first time in a year, maybe by as much as 50 basis points — a policy shift that will, over time, reduce the yields on risk-free cash-equivalent investments — market attention has shifted to whether that cash will be on the move. Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025 When developments in the plot pull Harold back toward the institutional center, Castro suggests this is a sell-out move. Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • Most of them — 69 people — were relocated to emergency shelters, while 22 others were placed in some form of permanent housing.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Carman Chan, founder of Click Ventures, a single-family office, similarly noted that many of her family office peers who set up businesses in Singapore are relocating back to Hong Kong.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Elsewhere, a strange new trend has started, seeing users stitch together clips of Jeremiah from various episodes into horror film-like videos, driving home the message that this is not just another cute, curly-haired college student but a malevolent Disney villain.
    Olivia Petter, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Discover the fascinating economics driving billion-dollar industries.
    thehustle.co, thehustle.co, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • China's export mix is shifting.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Nonetheless, with policy in restrictive territory, the baseline outlook and the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance.
    Adeola Adeosun Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If $3 billion in additional funding through 2090 isn't approved, and soon, tens of thousands of people from different genders, races and cultural backgrounds will be affected.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Exchange rates affect everything from groceries to retirement.
    Tom Zachystal, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The Associated Press reported that Robinson’s father recognized his son from the images released by law enforcement, and then encouraged his son to turn himself in.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Masiko enrolled him in a boarding school and persuaded Peter’s mom to allow her son to move in with his family.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The alleged gunman was identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, whose family persuaded him to turn himself in after a two-day manhunt.
    Landon Mion , Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As Lyles started to activate his signature top-end speed, his Jamaican competitors continued to pull away ahead of him.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The Angels already had a catcher on the concussion list, but Logan O’Hoppe has been progressing well and he’s expected to be activated when the Angels begin a series in Milwaukee on Tuesday.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Center Jonny King exited last week’s matchup against North Carolina with a back injury and is pushing to return against Rice next Thursday night.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Kevorian Barnes exits with injury TCU wasn’t able to get out of the game completely healthy, as starting running back Kevorian Barnes exited the game in the first half after getting hit on a 7-yard carry.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on move

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!