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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
Neither of these steps will be easy: Hezbollah is under pressure from Lebanese officials and continues to suffer Israeli bombardment, and the new Syrian government, which is consolidating control over its territory, is hostile to Iran and has begun moving closer to Israel. Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2025 Washington — The Supreme Court on Tuesday lifted a lower court order that blocked sweeping layoffs of federal workers at nearly two dozen agencies while a legal battle over President Trump's plans to drastically cut the size of the government moves forward. July 8, CBS News, 8 July 2025
Noun
Additionally, recipients will be expected to fill out more paperwork, a move that has historically led to fewer people receiving assistance. Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 9 July 2025 In an unusual move, Justin Mohn's defense attorneys delivered no opening statements in the trial, which is being held before Bucks County Common Pleas Judge Stephen Corr. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • Industry sources report that several Hungarian companies are already considering relocating operations to more crypto-friendly jurisdictions in the Baltics or elsewhere in Europe.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Eight horses died in the blaze, while Cox and the homeowners saved 10 others that have relocated to other stables in the area.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • At its core, greed drives their pursuit of wealth and power.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
  • Some drove for hours to get there, while others simply walked in off the street.
    Rachel Pearson, New Yorker, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Here’s what’s shifted for workers over the past two decades of rapid growth, and what city leaders make of the changes — and anticipate next.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2025
  • In the process, the land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties, and bloody betrayals.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The search area has been expanded from Kerr County to include San Saba and Burnet counties, which were also affected by the flooding, officials said Sunday.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 6 July 2025
  • Intimate partner violence affects as many as 10 million Americans every year.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • The editorial also criticized health benefit eligibility after eight years of service — a policy many cities use to encourage continuity and long-term commitment.
    Josh Levy, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
  • Their main message is to encourage couples to actively consider the decision instead of following the norm.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Or they could be persuaded that financial surveillance of businesses for transactions over $200 is necessary to prevent criminals from moving money.
    Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • Becker had run in high school but was working as a mortgage broker when, with his 60th birthday approaching, a friend persuaded him to try a marathon in Minnesota.
    James Rainey Follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The couple successfully activate the code and crawl through a tunnel to freedom, only to discover that the entire city has been sealed inside the same black brick structures.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • When activated, the harpoon is ejected, penetrates under the skin, and venom is released.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The pilot and three passengers were able to safely exit the plane.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • Here, exiting through the gift shop—fittingly named Lucky Rabbit—is a way to keep the story going at home.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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