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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
With booming dining and design scenes, the financial city is now moving beyond its stiff reputation. Diana Hubbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026 Ubisoft has shown its interest in moving into movies, TV, and other multimedia. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for moving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moving
Adjective
  • Kelly’s emotional two-dimensionality increases our anger on behalf of Pidgeon’s Carolyn, a vibrant professional woman who sees her life and her career toxified by the paparazzi and the press.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • For me, that connection is the emotional core of 17.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • While Seidler declined to clarify whether any assurance the Padres were staying put would be part of terms of the sale, the idea of the team relocating has been described by many around baseball as ludicrous.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
  • After a group of male models visited the competitors' apartment upon cycle 2 production relocating to Milan, Italy, for the season's back half, alcohol flowed — and, per Sullivan, so did tensions.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Thought about driving a race car.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • In addition to the effects of the pandemic and tariffs, climate issues — drought in Vietnam, heavy rain in Indonesia, and hot, dry weather in Brazil — are blamed for reducing yields of coffee crops and driving up global prices.
    Matt Sedensky, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Libra Saturn and Neptune pair up in your seventh house of partnership, which launches you into a ground-shifting new chapter within your one-on-one bonds—whether platonic, intimate, or professional.
    Maressa Brown, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026
  • As investors have witnessed capital shifting out of concentrated, high-valuation Mag 7 darlings, Dow constituents have enjoyed inflows as investors flock towards broader, higher-quality and inexpensive blue chips.
    Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This will keep geese out of your yard without affecting its aesthetics.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
  • How much Texans are able to feel how the Comptrollers office is positively affecting their lives, making their lives safer, better, more affordable.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Her style is confrontational and seemingly fearless, often provoking hugely divergent reactions from critics and fans.
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • 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, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Nationally, Jackson was arrested several times in 2021 during protests aimed at persuading Congress to end the federal legislative filibuster and pass voting rights legislation.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
  • On July 27, 1942, Blanchardon had no trouble persuading the delegates of the municipal council of Cannes to sign the resolution.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Your attitude in activating the protocol is an example of courage and dignity.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • For Theory’s fall collection, the designer is activating the old New York nostalgia that solidified the ’90s.
    James Manso, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Moving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moving. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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