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
Her fall 2026 lineup explored the emotional aftershock of moving between worlds. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026 Anger is coming down the pike; the Bears are hoping things will move expeditiously toward acceptance. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
As with Mountain West newcomer North Dakota State, Sacramento State’s move is happening immediately for the 2026 season, meaning it isn’t allowed to play in the FBS postseason for two years. Jason Kirk, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026 The move comes amid growing consolidation in the events production sector. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • The duo met as teenagers at a dance competition and began dating in high school before relocating to Los Angeles together in 2015 to pursue dance careers.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Students who were already on campus were relocated and busses on the way to school were redirected and classes canceled for the day so police could investigate.
    Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The introduction of rats, dogs, cats and stoats, as well as hunting by people and destruction of native forest habitats, drove species of the country’s flourishing flightless birds — the kakapo among them — to near or complete extinction.
    Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Set the scene Any drive through Napa is a treat, and coming north from San Francisco is like driving through the history of New World winemaking.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The tobacco trials — which took place over decades but began to shift in favor of plaintiffs in the ’90s — similarly saw various types of plaintiffs file a wave of lawsuits, contributing to the release of internal documents and testing new legal theories.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
  • The staff welcomed me immediately, opening the doors with genuine warmth that shifted my mood entirely.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Nearly 10,000 were affected by the downpours in recent days, including more than 3,200 people who were forced to move to emergency shelters or with relatives, Dayanghirang said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Across the globe, nations were assessing how the high court’s ruling might affect them.
    Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • There are more than 150 miles of tunnels across nine underground levels, and guests are encouraged to lick the walls.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Virgo The Saturn-Neptune conjunction occurs in your eighth house of intimacy, intimate bonds, and shared resources, encouraging you to grapple with boundaries and limitations tied to your closest relationships.
    Maressa Brown, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • By April, Kabila’s new government was persuaded by the IMF and the World Bank to withdraw from the contract with Gertler after only eight months.
    Nicolas Niarchos, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
  • In the years following COVID, Picturehouse – like other movie theater chains – had to persuade people to come back into the movie theaters.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The governor also activated an additional 150 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to assist with the response.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Crushing or chopping garlic activates allicin, its key compound, and fresh ginger provides gingerol.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Fifteen people seeking to exit a popular backcountry zone off Interstate 80, often explored by beginners and advanced skiers alike, were caught in a massive avalanche that stretched the length of a football field.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The spokesperson said City Cruises has no plans to exit other ports.
    Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

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