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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
That unscripted hymn may have been the most moving moment of his Presidency. David Remnick, New Yorker, 27 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
Though Sora videos feature a moving watermark identifying them as AI creations, some experts say it could be edited out with some effort. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2025 For her party this year, the 52-year-old, who is widely hailed as the Queen of Halloween, transformed into Medusa — complete with moving snakes in her hair. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for moving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moving
Adjective
  • Some do not have the emotional wherewithal to to observe that others have needs as well.
    Joni Eareckson Tada, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Players, coaches, executives and ownership groups have come and gone, but the team remains despite a lengthy and emotional relocation saga that nearly resulted in a move to Seattle.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Many global companies are now hiring or relocating leadership roles to their GCC offices in India.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The Western and Southern Open was in talks with Charlotte for months about relocating its tournament from Cincinnati, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
    Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Bandit had been found on a rural road in the middle of nowhere and would have died had his rescuer not been driving past.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • That driving tension and anxiety are largely thanks to the team of artisans, which included composer Volker Bertelmann, editor Kirk Baxter and sound designer Paul Ottosson, who worked closely behind the scenes on their respective crafts to bring it together.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While young players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and others are fighting for better pay for their industry-shifting work, college football programs are shelling out $40 million to $50 million payouts to get their underperforming coaches to stop showing up to the office.
    J.J. Bailey, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
  • This season, many of China’s rising stars did exactly that — flying from Paris back to Shanghai overnight, shifting seamlessly from runway storytelling to retail strategy.
    Li Jun, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The turmoil affecting air travel prompted Delta Air Lines on Thursday to demand that Congress reopen the government immediately.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Constipation can occur with iron supplements by affecting gut bacteria and pulling stool-softening water from your colon.
    Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At best, all of his perhapses and could have beens will lead to unexpected, thought-provoking conclusions.
    Isaac Butler, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2025
  • This is an installment of The Nightcrawler, a weekly collection of thought-provoking articles on tech, innovation, and long-term investing by Eric Markowitz of Nightview Capital.
    Big Think, Big Think, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After reading Wuoronos’ story, Pralle began conversing with her through letters, eventually persuading Wuornos to let Pralle adopt her.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025
  • That could help with a key goal of the new transit line — persuading people who commute by car to give a more comfortable bus experience a try.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Voclosporin is a next-generation calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), a class of drugs that suppresses the immune system by blocking calcineurin, an enzyme required for activating T-cells—a type of white blood cell central to immune responses.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Mars wraps up its journey through Scorpio, which has been activating your career and legacy zone for weeks.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 2 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Moving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moving. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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