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Definition of movingnext

moving

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verb

present participle of move
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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
But both grew immensely from knowing one another, and their finding peace in the finale was one of the more moving moments of the entire series. Breanne L. Heldman, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025 Our audience responses were the most moving part of this entire journey. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
Install Heating Cables In extremely cold regions, heat cables can keep water moving through gutter systems even during freezing temperatures. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026 In the video, a man can be seen slapping the seat before moving back. Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for moving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moving
Adjective
  • That increase has come with a financial strain and emotional stress for families across the country and in North Carolina.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Her relationship with Kerr hits several bumps, giving Blunt the chance to showcase her emotional range in tense scenes.
    Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • To increase humidity, consider using a plant humidifier or relocating the plant to areas of the home with higher moisture, such as the bathroom.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Another important detail to note about Carmel for anyone considering relocating there is the cost of housing.
    Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
  • According to investigators, the man was driving a Chevrolet Silverado northbound on Kilgore Road when the truck left the roadway, entered a ditch and overturned.
    Nick Lentz, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Last week, Graham Knaus, the chief executive of the California State Association of Counties, criticized Newsom’s budget for not responding to the cost burdens shifting to local governments.
    Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 2026
  • In Huntington Beach, the coastal community has long had a reputation as a Southern California stronghold for Republicans, though its politics have recently been shifting.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Both types of flour should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent moisture and pests from affecting the flour.
    Zoe Denenberg, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Heavy snow has been affecting Washington since earlier this week, with the biggest accumulations reported on mountains, according to the National Weather Service field office in Seattle.
    Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • When Russia, another strategic partner, invaded Ukraine in 2022, China stopped short of condemning Moscow or opposing the war, instead parroting Russian narrative of blaming on the United States and its NATO allies for provoking the conflict.
    Steven Jiang, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Rather, many Iranians instead blamed the leadership for either provoking the conflict or failing to meaningfully defend the country from Israeli – or American – bombs.
    Kamran Talattof, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Spector told me that, when customers abandon an item in their shopping cart, WhatsApp is six times more effective than e-mail at persuading people to complete their purchases.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Tsunetomo referred to the example of Nakano Shōgen, who brought peace after persuading his lord, Mitsushige, to apologize for not paying proper respect to certain families within the clan.
    Kenneth Andrew Andres Leonardo, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • There was also the possibility of the Panthers activating interior offensive lineman Chandler Zavala ahead of Saturday’s game.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
  • This is especially significant to consider early in the year when Saturn and Neptune join forces in Aries, activating a part of your chart that governs intimacy, trust and emotional merging.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Moving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moving. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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