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
Though less significant than the Strait of Hormuz, around 12% of the world’s trade, including a fourth of global container traffic, once passed through Bab el-Mandeb, moving between Europe and Asia via Egypt’s Suez Canal. Fatma Khaled, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026 Thanks to an upswell of community support and corporate sponsors, the gallery has moved out of its temporary space on Richmond Street West and will be moving into a permanent space at 19 Brock Avenue. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
The project follows Tesla’s move earlier this year to break ground on a research fabrication facility at the North Campus of Giga Texas. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 The success gave Sessa the luxury of choosing his next moves. Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • Later that year, after Meghan and Harry stepped back from their royal roles and relocated to California, they were spotted on a double date at Lucky’s Steakhouse in Montecito with McPhee and Foster.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
  • In 1997, the Moersch family purchased and relocated an Amish round barn from the cornfields of Indiana and rebuilt the structure, which eventually was unveiled as Round Barn Winery.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Other experts say that unless Japan addresses the structural forces driving the weakness in yen, the intervention's effects are likely to be short-lived.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Both have driven over 20B minutes of viewership on streaming platforms from January through June.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Monogram Dune was inspired by the shifting beauty of a desert landscape, where light continuously transforms color and depth.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The company is also profitable, a financial positioning that gives the founder the freedom to invest in higher quality materials, moving Sézane slightly upmarket, while shifting the editorial styling to feel more sophisticated.
    Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition causes a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Kitchen temperature and humidity significantly affect the quality of bread made in a bread machine.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Boundless San Francisco, which encourages out-of-the-box ideas, echoes the venture capital ethos, Crankstart Chief Executive Officer Missy Narula said.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The communication drills are intended to encourage first-line fighters to be more self-reliant and effective in battle, experts say.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Ted was genuinely out of his depth, the conflicts felt earned, and the show still had to persuade audiences that its relentless optimism wasn’t naïve.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The research body also found that as part of the same effort, the agent tried to contact real people directly, sending messages and files to persuade them to run malicious code.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • However, Daniel Palencia will pitch at Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday and could be activated soon, resuming his closer role.
    Greg Jewett, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • For organizations seeking meaningful ways to activate teams and elevate corporate culture, five actionable strategies can bring allyship to life well beyond a single date on the calendar.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, exited the campaign in July but revived it days later after receiving Evers' endorsement.
    Gaby Vinick, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • According to Chicago police, a 25-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman were exiting the gas station when a silver Nissan sedan approached and the occupants inside pulled out guns and shot in their direction.
    Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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