move 1 of 2

Definition of movenext
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
This year's celebration is moving to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from Old City and the Gayborhood to accommodate larger crowds, and will be a ticketed event, unlike last year's festival. Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 4 June 2026 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex later stepped back from their royal roles in January 2020 and moved to her home state of California, where Princess Lilibet was born in June 2021. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
Noun
That marks a sharp reversal from April, when investors largely expected the Fed’s next move would be a rate cut. Mike Winters, CNBC, 10 June 2026 Head coach Mike Vrabel foresees the Patriots making a move to add at the position coming out of minicamp. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • The series follows the Clyburns, a wealthy New York City family who relocates to Montana’s Madison River Valley following the deaths of family patriarch Preston (Russell) and his brother Paul (Fox), who were killed in a plane crash.
    Cat Cardenas, Variety, 10 June 2026
  • The transition to the voucher program took effect on June 1, when families participating in the MSP were prompted to either relocate with the emergency vouchers or seek housing through an alternative party.
    Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Ties have cooled in recent years between the two sides – while Pyongyang drove closer to Moscow.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
  • Advocates have long criticized the conditions at the Aurora facility, and those complaints — alongside concerns that more facilities could open in the state — helped drive HB 1276’s contents.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • The focus then shifted to her head.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • The Stanley Cup Final shifted to Las Vegas for Game 3 with the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes knotted at 1-1 after splitting the opening two games in Raleigh.
    Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • But many residents worry that the festive mood and infrastructure works risk papering over the security crisis that still affects their daily lives.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
  • Kate, the Princess of Wales, is continuing her work to support people affected by cancer with a visit to one of the United Kingdom's leading cancer treatment centers.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Speaking between ballots, Tafoya repeatedly reminded delegates about the importance of winning the general election, while Schwarze encouraged them not to compromise their principles.
    Jay Gabler, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026
  • Kramer said the attendance cap was intentional and designed to encourage visitors to attend events throughout the region.
    Ben Wheeler May 29, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Some laughed as their classmates persuaded them.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • After an emotional meltdown, Ava agrees, hoping to persuade Deborah to change her mind.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 8 June 2026
  • Even 15 minutes of disconnection allows the brain’s default mode network to activate, when memory consolidation and creative connections actually occur.
    William Jones June 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy exited the game in the fifth inning after a violent collision with Diamondbacks first baseman Ildemaro Vargas.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
  • But despite this, experts say the lack of AI play is not the main reason why global investors are exiting India.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on move

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster