Definition of movenext
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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
In 2025, when three other SpaceX funds were liquidated, Meyer allegedly moved about $636,000 meant for investors into his personal account. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026 That could allow operators to expand generation as demand changes or move equipment between sites. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
This wasn’t long after Cloonee, in a more jet-setting move, hired a company to come over and clean one of his cars. — Katie Bain, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2026 The move will put top shows from both services onto a single platform, including titles like Mobland, Yellowstone, The White Lotus, and House of the Dragon. — Emma Roth, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • The campaign is designed to reach business leaders in traditional centers such as New York, Chicago and California and persuade them to build or relocate their companies to Florida.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
  • But Resurrection is a return to form, as our genial serial killer relocates to New York after his now-adult son starts his own murder spree.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The reason for that is the unquenching market need for solid factual projects that can both be popular on linear channels and drive older viewers to streaming services.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The urgency of their push comes as major European companies undergo huge job losses — Volkswagen plans to cut 100,000 workers — which experts have said could drive political upheaval.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Later, Mars trines Neptune in your partnership house, shifting attention toward the people who genuinely inspire you.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, consumer priorities have shifted.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Our research suggests these tombs were designed and constructed not simply to house the dead, but to affect the living through a sensorily immersive environment similar to a modern 3D film experience.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
  • At that altitude, even small changes in orientation can affect where an instrument looks on the ground.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Partnership is the guiding motif of the World Soundtrack Awards’ Film Music Days, where live performances will give cult films bold new scores and industry mixers encourage emerging composers and filmmakers to find their creative match.
    — Ben Croll, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The breakthrough came after Arnold Schwarzenegger encouraged Figure to melt the robots.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • So far, Siemens has managed to persuade companies to share their data in return for access to its AI model and the ability to request new use cases.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Peril at End House features Christie fan favorites like Arthur Hustings and Chief Inspector Japp and is set in Cornwall, where Poirot and Hastings meet a young woman who is persuaded that someone is out to kill her.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Choose from heat mode or cool mode depending on the season, and then activate night mode for the quietest settings and a dimmer display.
    — Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In order to promote its use, new ShipStation customers who choose to activate Ship with Walmart will be given a 20 percent discount on their annual subscription.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Malhotra, one of India’s most experienced execs and producers, launched Abundantia back in 2013 after exiting a role as COO of Viacom18 Motion Pictures and a shorter spell leading Balaji Motion Pictures.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • That would give Temasek greater ability to adjust its investments as the industry evolves, compared with private assets that can be harder to exit quickly.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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