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
That’s why a number of industry analysts believe oil prices have moved too low, and the market is underpricing the risk of effectively running out of oil before the tanks can be replenished. David Goldman, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 This risk decreases as the storm moves away. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
Noun
The move also follows a broader trend of stand-alone streaming apps giving way to bundling and partnerships — among them Disney+’s recent deal with CJ ENM’s TVing in Japan, and Viu’s own prior bundle with HBO Max, launched in Southeast Asia last year. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026 The group of sailors trains several hours a day, sometimes practicing during off-hours, making sure their moves are perfect. Kaicey Baylor, CBS News, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • The bill would prohibit the USDA from closing or relocating any Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), or Rural Development county and field offices, with limited exceptions for when there’s another service center within 20 miles.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
  • To dispose of, pour boiling water into the bucket, freeze it, or relocate and empty the bucket in an uninhabited field.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • In other words, the current combination of US political tensions and global conflicts are driving more US nationals to seek new options overseas.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026
  • Naturally, Ohtani also singled, doubled, walked and drove in two runs in that game.
    Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • However, his approach has shifted.
    Shanelle Kaul, CBS News, 14 June 2026
  • The theater had just two executive directors — Michael Price and Michael Gennaro — before shifting to a different business model in 2021, when Hilton became artistic director and was teamed with David Byrd as the managing director.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • The change quickly affected players.
    Cal Phillips June 19, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026
  • Today’s food environment and gaps in health education affect children across the socioeconomic spectrum.
    Jordan Schriver, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Nick Engen and Taylor Calmus CBS To help encourage fathers navigating similar experiences, Taylor Calmus, creator of the popular online Dude Dad brand, visited the NICU ahead of Father's Day to surprise Engen and other dads with gift bags filled with supplies.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • You are encouraged to sit and lounge and read.
    Rachel Brodsky, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • After receiving news that Ruben has lost his appeal and seems resigned to his fate, Anna naturally springs into action in a last-ditch effort to persuade the governor of his innocence.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 19 June 2026
  • For a service built on impulse viewing, telco deals buy instant reach and built-in billing in price-sensitive markets where persuading users to sign up directly can be hard.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • At the intersection of North Green Hills Drive, the statement said, the driver activated a turn signal, then canceled it and kept going straight ahead.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026
  • In response to the advisory, the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust has activated an emergency outreach plan.
    Miami Herald Staff Report, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • After driving on the 5 Freeway for nearly an hour, the suspect exited the freeway onto Lake Hughes Road near Castaic Lake.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • This means that the tankers and cargo ships trapped in the Persian Gulf since March be able to exit, although shipping giants predict that the ships won’t actually pass through the Strait for some time.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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