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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
The rational criminal, after all, will just move a block over—set up shop where the odds tilt in his favor. Malcolm Gladwell, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 Word moved around the ticket-holders, likely waiting for Novak Djokovic’s match to follow this one, that one of their own was doing something special. James Hansen, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
On Friday, Lively's attorneys filed a motion to withdraw and dismiss her claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress, saying the move would streamline the case and focus on other claims made against Baldoni. Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 June 2025 The move is a recognition by Sony that broadcast TV audiences are aging, and the studio must expand its reach to stay relevant with younger viewers. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • The New York Racing Association temporarily relocated it there while Belmont Park on Long Island undergoes nearly half-a-billion dollars in renovations.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 June 2025
  • The police department will relocate to a facility in a 950-space parking garage being built on the east side of campus.
    Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Sundowns’ success has also arguably been good for South Africa, helping drive new standards, develop players and coaches, and change perceptions about what is possible for clubs from the continent when investment is made available.
    Simon Hughes, New York Times, 7 June 2025
  • Adrienne Long, 38, of Magnolia was killed around 1:15 p.m. Tuesday after a 2015 Chevrolet driving north on U.S. 79 near Magnolia crossed the turning lane and collided head-on with the 2015 Nissan that Long was driving south, according to a report.
    Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Now, markets shift and shrink far too rapidly to rely on the old approach.
    Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Especially as the messaging around nonalcoholic beer has shifted to broaden its appeal, according to Dave Williams, vice president of analytics and insight for Bump Williams Consulting, a Connecticut firm that specializes in the alcoholic beverage industry.
    Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • Not only do the tariffs affect the suppliers of brands like Princess Polly, but the market could also affect how viewers perceive these hauls.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2025
  • The anti-establishment has become the establishment, and its decisions will affect us all.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • Trump reportedly encouraged Vance to strike a diplomatic tone publicly.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • In order to protect his brother, Gi-jun encouraged Ju-woon and Bong-san to stage a coup.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Jonathan Ernst | Reuters European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen managed to persuade the president to give talks more time but, as things stand, the EU has until July 9 to reach a deal with Washington.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 6 June 2025
  • Be on alert for phishing scams – Fraudsters regularly send emails that appear to be from a reputable source in order to persuade individuals to provide valuable personal information, such as access codes, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, account numbers, etc.
    Rick Unser, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Rocker had been dominant in two rehab outings prior to being activated on Wednesday.
    Compiled From Wire Reports, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
  • None of them had their body cameras activated, a violation of department policy.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Four other transfer quarterbacks also exited with years to spare.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • That’s what happened in 2008, the last time the BOJ tried to exit its deflation-era policy framework.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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