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
Zekaj had repeatedly complained of violence from her husband and had moved away to live with her parents while asking for protection. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 With Adebayo and Antetokounmpo, Wade said, the duo have to move beyond who was in place first. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
Not far from the memorial, Jacksonville has opened a new medical examiner’s office and morgue across the street from a school, a move denounced by neighbors. — Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026 Is that the kind of hubristic myth-of-genius move that often drives proxy firms and large shareholders crazy? — Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • Recent openings include relocating its Milan flagship from the tourist-heavy Via Montenapoleone to the more local Via Gesù, as well as a 91-square-meter boutique in Shenzhen, China.
    — Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
  • After that, all outdoor activities at the back of the school were temporarily relocated, Superintendent Mark Foust said in a letter to parents on Thursday.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Pratt, a 22-year-old rookie whose go-ahead hit sparked the Brewers to a 5-4 win in Game 2, drove a slider into the left-field seats against Seymour.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In recent years, General Motors has consistently sought to demonstrate that its investments in autonomous driving systems and software services can yield high margin revenue and open new growth frontiers.
    — , CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The music as a whole seems to reflect all of this moment-to-moment action at a larger structural level, shifting from one overlapping movement to the next according to the same fractal geometry that governs the beat.
    — Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026
  • His Iowa appearance was moved from Dubuque to Cedar Rapids, only for plans to shift back to Dubuque hours later, according to a person familiar with the planning who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The initiative targets the submarine’s internal configuration, where even minor design changes can affect the vessel’s overall balance.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Allegations come after CalHR rejected proposals that would affect the state’s budget.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Though the board does not have the authority to forgive the charges, which will still be due by the end of the year, board President Allan Marks encouraged residents to enroll in programs that could help alleviate rising costs.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • According to Ueda, an enthusiastic online response encouraged its adaptation to feature length and a theatrical release.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The university admissions replacement system still has to be designed, and legal changes may be needed — leaving crucial decisions unresolved even as the government seeks to persuade students to end their protests.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The challenge was not simply to persuade undecided voters, but to get those who already preferred him to show up at the polls.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • National groups such as Indivisible and MoveOn are activating their own expansive networks.
    — STEVE PEOPLES, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Simply activate the offer and earn rewards on related spending.
    — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Shortly after, a heavyset man wearing gray sweats, white socks and black sandals and a black hooded sweatershirt exits the passenger-side door.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Saquon Barkley missed the previous two games because of a hamstring injury before exiting Monday's loss after just nine snaps with a back injury.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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