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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
Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2025 Shortstop is Mayer's natural position, and by moving Story over to second base, the team can maximize the young star's defensive potential and try to reduce their defensive miscues for next season. Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 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
  • In June 2024, the district's administrative team recommended the board consider a seventh- through 12th-grade school configuration by relocating the two middle schools inside the existing Wauwatosa East and Wauwatosa West high school facilities.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Other stores in the shopping center, meanwhile, have already begun the process of relocating.
    Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 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
  • The constantly shifting allegiances are meant to form a twisty yarn in the aggregate, though the effect is largely just confusing — especially when Helen gets a subplot investigating her own past that distracts from her role as the chilly, withholding boss.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Offenses started shifting toward using more 11 personnel (three receivers, one tight end, one running back) a little over a decade ago.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Even a tablespoon or two less honey or molasses than your recipe calls for can throw off the balance of moisture and sweetness, affecting texture, flavor, and consistency.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Fountain Hills to weigh proposed Charlie Kirk statue Are there concerns about how Kirk's death is affecting faith communities?
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This tender, wry and thought-provoking story offers a different perspective on looking for love, regret and the ‘what if’ of it all.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Skims is no stranger to bold and thought-provoking products, having previously caused a stir with its controversial line of face wraps.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • There's a Shimano shifter to the right and useful illuminated buttons to the left for adjusting PAS, sounding the horn, engaging turn signaling, and activating walk-assist.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2025
  • With Venus also in the mix, activating your ninth house of adventure, you’re reminded that life’s biggest lessons come through experience.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Moving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moving. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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