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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
Rather than wallow in pity, and swim in anger, few schools from either the Pac-12 or Big 12 got over it to move ahead better than Texas Tech. Mac Engel november 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2025 The forecast indicates that the phenomenon should move across the sea until Sunday, also affecting the coast of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo. CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
Beyond giving advice on individual money moves, Tu’s thinking bigger picture now. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025 Roser also recommends wearing these vests for moves where having weights in your hands is challenging, such as side lunges, side squats, and sumo squats. Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • Construction requires resurfacing roads and relocating utilities, creating traffic disruptions.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The couple relocated to Welders House, their longtime country estate in England, just weeks before the musician’s death in July.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The offer is available for dine-in and drive-thru only and is not valid through the McDonald’s app.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Timber, litter and understory vegetation are the main fuels driving the wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • With Carlos Correa back in town, there's an argument that the Astros could find a trade partner for Walker and attempt to shift two-time All-Star Isaac Paredes to first base full-time.
    Patrick McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The commercial industry is shifting toward planting grafted trees from improved cultivars.
    Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • So what happens if your flight is affected?
    Rob Wile, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2025
  • But the one part MLB can’t affect is where NCAA sports are in general.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Her administration has encouraged the siting of data centers in Michigan through sales and use tax exemptions.
    Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • For example, toddlers will benefit from toys that encourage them to build gross motor skills and work on early speech and literacy skills.
    Anja Webb, Parents, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • For their part, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere each worked hard to persuade Irishmen, Hessians, Indigenous people, and former slaves to defect to the patriot side.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The Running Point actress was spotted shopping for holiday presents last December with a hands-free bag strapped across her body, and just one 12-second TikTok clip persuaded us to dole out some change on a purse that’s just like hers.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • During inquiries, the ICO found 178 active email accounts using passwords identical or similar to those set by the organization’s IT desk when the account was activated.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a safe spot, like a nearby business parking lot, to pull over and stop.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Thankfully, Tia yet again rises to the occasion and smooths the fight over and helps Gizelle and Keiarna, at the very least, return to a common ground while Wendy exits stage left.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The driver, later identified as Sampson, continued to drive recklessly at high speed and exited the interstate and headed into downtown Ybor City.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on move

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