moving 1 of 2

moving

2 of 2

verb

present participle of move
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Synonym Chooser

How is the word moving distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of moving are affecting, impressive, pathetic, poignant, and touching. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

How do affecting and moving relate to one another?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

In what contexts can impressive take the place of moving?

While in some cases nearly identical to moving, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

When can pathetic be used instead of moving?

The meanings of pathetic and moving largely overlap; however, pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

When could poignant be used to replace moving?

The words poignant and moving are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

When would touching be a good substitute for moving?

In some situations, the words touching and moving are roughly equivalent. However, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

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 moving
Adjective
The most moving montage came towards the show’s end, in which Brown is seen interacting with his three children. Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 14 Sep. 2025 Experts say heavy bomber drones are very useful against non-moving targets, as well as against groups of soldiers or bunkers, but are typically used at night. Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
Their bullpen, the source of so much angst for three months – up to and including the two games of the Wild Card Series against Cincinnati – is again acting dependably, and as the ninth-inning guy Roki Sasaki is moving ever closer to folk hero status. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025 That was probably the most moving experience of my life. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for moving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moving
Adjective
  • His family said their final goodbyes to him during an emotional funeral procession on July 30, which took place in Birmingham.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • In what ways will his grief manifest this season, and what role will his struggle with sobriety play in his emotional journey?
    Alamin Yohannes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The expansion included relocating two out-of-state businesses to the area through acquisitions.
    Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 15 Oct. 2025
  • In the Tuesday statement, Nexperia also said the government’s intervention, prohibiting Nexperia from relocating company parts and making other decisions without the government’s permission, will last for a period of a year.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Bruce Owens, 49, of Paragould, who was driving the Hyundai, and a minor who was riding in the Jeep and not identified in the report were injured, the report says.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
  • After the video spread on social media, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a post on X that the arrest came as US Border Patrol was driving around conducting immigration enforcement.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While Norris was able to catch and pass Leclerc for second place twice, Piastri only faded from the lead battle, his attention instead shifting to the Mercedes of George Russell lurking behind in his mirrors.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Israel’s offensives displaced most of Gaza’s population, forcing more than two million people to run for safety to the shifting patches of land the Israeli military described as humanitarian zones.
    Kara Fox, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Economic anxiety is also affecting perceptions of job security.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Based on the Peter Straub novel of the same name, John Irvin's chilly and affecting Ghost Story is cloaked in snow, leather, and firelight.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Dave and a rotating cast of smart, thought-provoking guests talk about their inspirations, failures, successes, fame, and identities.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Despite a recent plan to overhaul California’s strict insurance regulations in hopes of persuading carriers to expand coverage in fire-risk areas, many homeowners have yet to see any immediate changes.
    Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2025
  • This misrepresentation appears to have been a central element in persuading Craig Lampley to agree to transfer ownership.
    Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In response, Microsoft notes the company is adding further restrictions to activating IE Mode in Edge for non-commercial users.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Then comes Pluto, freshly direct in Aquarius, activating your friendship and community sector.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 12 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moving. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on moving

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!