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
This wouldn’t be the first time White has had a hand in moving legislation forward. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 14 May 2026 Janet had started seeing him after moving into her own apartment, but kept their relationship secret. Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Noun
The moves toughen the environment in Brazil for giants like Google, Meta and TikTok, who have long tried to dissociate themselves with crimes online committed by users. ABC News, 20 May 2026 The elevator is expected to be out of service until next winter while it is being replaced, and accessibility advocates said the move raises concerns about transit equity. Megan De Mar, CBS News, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • West Ham’s only contribution, at that time, was an upfront payment of £15m when relocating.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • The Paramount+ drama series follows a New York family that relocates to rural Montana after a family tragedy.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 21 May 2026
Verb
  • The work is freelance and deadline-driven, with no salary, benefits, or job security.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
  • Neto drove a 2-0 sinker 413 feet to center field, stunning Ginn and the A’s while ending a six-game losing streak for the Angels.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • But even more than this, contemporary Russian literature has fallen prey to the shifting norms of cultural consumption.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • First, in terms of travel distance, European tourists may shift from long-haul trips to shorter journeys.
    , CNBC, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • An email, meeting note, or quick request could affect how others read your authority.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2026
  • The closure will affect 205 employees at the New Britain Facility, Gravalec wrote.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • The sleek black straps instantly make the Birkenstock Arizona Softbed Birk-flo Sandals feel a little more sleek, while the roomy design encourages a more natural stride during long sightseeing days.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2026
  • Customer loyalty programs can be powerful tools for encouraging repeat business, deepening customer relationships and giving brands a more direct way to stay connected with their audiences.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • The goal of securing an indictment is no longer, as Justice Department regulations still require, to put together a case strong enough to persuade a jury to convict.
    Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
  • As Memorial Day weekend approaches, forecasts of plentiful sunshine may persuade many Southern Californians to strip down to their bathing suits — but researchers are warning of unsanitary waters at some local beaches.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
  • That foundation meant that when the mainstream moment arrived, there was already a real community ready to activate and amplify it.
    Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • The lobby’s elevator doors opened and a woman with a giant white saucer on her head and a matching floor-length coat, embellished with red splotches that evoked stab wounds, slowly exited.
    Jane Bua, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • Schultz exited after issuing a one-out walk in the fifth.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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