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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
Fitch moved the pocket for Harell on a couple of occasions, but even with consistent glimpses of green grass on option plays, Harrell didn’t call his number and pull the ball. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025 The 27-year-old is technical, strong in duels, has a great engine to move up and down the pitch, a good ball progresser and reader of the game. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
But as the Federal Reserve prepares to cut rates for the first time in a year, maybe by as much as 50 basis points — a policy shift that will, over time, reduce the yields on risk-free cash-equivalent investments — market attention has shifted to whether that cash will be on the move. Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025 When developments in the plot pull Harold back toward the institutional center, Castro suggests this is a sell-out move. Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • Most of them — 69 people — were relocated to emergency shelters, while 22 others were placed in some form of permanent housing.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Carman Chan, founder of Click Ventures, a single-family office, similarly noted that many of her family office peers who set up businesses in Singapore are relocating back to Hong Kong.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Police reported the suspect got into an awaiting black SUV driven by a second suspect, and the pair fled the scene.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • But there is also a deeper democratic malaise driven by his reluctance to heed the message delivered at the ballot box.
    Cole Stangler, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In a market where the audience can shift overnight, PacSun is betting that its ability to learn and adapt in real time is the ultimate competitive advantage.
    Jamie Gutfreund, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Last week, the actress was seen on set in London for her new film, Anxious People, sporting a light blonde bob — a drastic change from her usual long brunette locks, though in recent months she's shifted towards a lighter hue.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If $3 billion in additional funding through 2090 isn't approved, and soon, tens of thousands of people from different genders, races and cultural backgrounds will be affected.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Exchange rates affect everything from groceries to retirement.
    Tom Zachystal, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The Associated Press reported that Robinson’s father recognized his son from the images released by law enforcement, and then encouraged his son to turn himself in.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But much like Howard Jarvis feared, the tax-and-spend interests have sought to destroy Proposition 13 ever since, most recently by persuading courts to carve loopholes in its constitutional protections and invent new ways for government agencies to raise revenue.
    Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Elizabeth Stage, whose Oakland hills home barely escaped the deadly 1991 firestorm, and whose work as president of the Oakland FireSafe Council involves persuading residents to adopt Zone 0 measures, said the study would be a helpful, persuasive tool.
    Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • By that point though, United had activated on signing Senne Lammens.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Follow the link above to activate the best FanDuel promo code offer.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As the two left the stage, Carey and Grande shared another hug and exited together.
    Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • His first and only target came mid-way through the second quarter – taking a hit in the ribs and exiting the game.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on move

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