Thesaurus

move

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of move

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to change the place or position of

I need you to move all your books off that chair before company gets here

Synonyms for move

Words Related to move

Near Antonyms for move

embed
(also imbed),
entrench
(also intrench),
implant,
ingrain
(also engrain),
lodge,
root

2 to set or keep in motion

the hands of the wall clock are moved by battery

Synonyms for move

Words Related to move

Near Antonyms for move

3 to change one's position

don't move while I'm trying to draw your portrait

Synonyms for move

Words Related to move

rouse

Near Antonyms for move

stabilize

Antonyms for move

freeze,
still

4 to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response

we were deeply moved by the program of patriotic music

Synonyms for move

Words Related to move

bias,
color

inspire,
stir

Phrases Synonymous with move

get to

Near Antonyms for move

underwhelm

5 to rouse to strong feeling or action

the heartfelt appeal moved the people to reach into their pockets and donate generously

Synonyms for move

Words Related to move

Phrases Synonymous with move

build a fire under

Near Antonyms for move

6 to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest requests

the report moved me to change my mind about the issue

Synonyms for move

Words Related to move

reason (with)

Near Antonyms for move

7 to cause to function

this one button moves the whole machine

Synonyms for move

Words Related to move

Near Antonyms for move

Antonyms for move

8 to leave a place often for another

the police officer told the loiterers to move along

Synonyms for move

Words Related to move

abscond,
decamp,
escape,
evacuate,
flee,
fly,
get out,
mizzle
[chiefly British],
run away,
scat,
scram,
skip

emigrate

Phrases Synonymous with move

Near Antonyms for move

Antonyms for move

move

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of move (Entry 2 of 2)

1 an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result

retiring early was a smart move

Synonyms for move

Words Related to move

2 the act or an instance of changing position

don't make a move

Synonyms for move

Words Related to move

Near Antonyms for move

immobility

Antonyms for move

motionlessness

Frequently Asked Questions About move

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