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
This wouldn’t be the first time White has had a hand in moving legislation forward. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 14 May 2026 Janet had started seeing him after moving into her own apartment, but kept their relationship secret. Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Noun
The credit union will work with the school’s student affairs division on student engagement initiatives including orientation and move-in week. Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026 The move could prove disruptive to Amazon's millions of third-party sellers, who pay top dollar to promote their listings and rank higher in traditional search results. Annie Palmer, CNBC, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • The decor with sheepskin rugs and arm lamps for reading lights is neither flashy nor overtly quirky, but simple and homey, as if it were designed by a tasteful Scandinavian grandmother who relocated to the wilds of Patagonia.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
  • While moving abroad may sound like a dream, there are plenty of logistics to consider before relocating.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • For instance, researchers found that rapid urbanization and electrification across Asia drove brightening in cities from China to India to Sub-Saharan Africa.
    Bree Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • The novel starts out on a highway, in a car that’s driving too fast.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • But even more than this, contemporary Russian literature has fallen prey to the shifting norms of cultural consumption.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • First, in terms of travel distance, European tourists may shift from long-haul trips to shorter journeys.
    , CNBC, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • The quick pivot didn’t affect the Dodgers much Friday.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026
  • Sources close to SkyShowtime said Paramount’s WBD deal had created palpable uncertainty among employees, leading to speculation about how the mega-merger will affect SkyShowtime’s shareholder structure.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Responding to comments, asking for feedback, and giving shout-outs to active viewers fosters a sense of community and encourages continued engagement.
    Adam Rumanek, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2026
  • Techniques such as reinforcement learning from human feedback encourage the model toward preferred responses.
    Sandeep Shilawat, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Influencers have become a routine part of persuading voters in local, state and national races as legacy media’s reach has waned, though there are few laws on the books regulating them.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
  • Neither leader elaborated on what persuaded them about the possibility of peace in Europe’s longest conflict since World War II.
    Hanna Arhirova, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Tonight the Aries Moon activates ambition, and a decision about visibility or leadership may suddenly feel obvious.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
  • But mostly, the Sparks’ defense activated, forcing 10 Las Vegas turnovers, led by two steals apiece from Atkins and Wheeler to fuel the comeback.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • The lobby’s elevator doors opened and a woman with a giant white saucer on her head and a matching floor-length coat, embellished with red splotches that evoked stab wounds, slowly exited.
    Jane Bua, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • Schultz exited after issuing a one-out walk in the fifth.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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