1
as in to push
to apply force to (someone or something) so that it moves in front of one
playfully he propelled his rambunctious friend into the swimming pool to cool off
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to move
to set or keep in motion
the aircraft is propelled by a pair of turboprop engines
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of propel
However, the breakout performance of Kyren Paris, as well as the home run happy lineup, has propelled the Angels to a 9-6 start and first place standing in the American League West.
—
Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Her findings could propel the case back to the Supreme Court.
—David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025
Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket propelled the women almost 66 miles into the atmosphere, according to Blue Origin.
—Michael Bartiromo, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Their triangular forewings propel them at up to 30 miles per hour.
—Jesse Greenspan, Scientific American, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propel
Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Her findings could propel the case back to the Supreme Court.
—David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025
Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket propelled the women almost 66 miles into the atmosphere, according to Blue Origin.
—Michael Bartiromo, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Their triangular forewings propel them at up to 30 miles per hour.
—Jesse Greenspan, Scientific American, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propel
Verb
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The transition began in earnest a little over four years ago, prompted by COVID-19, which pushed huge amounts of human interaction onto screens and raised the demand for captioning.—
David Owen,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
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Recent results have seen Newcastle United, Manchester City and Chelsea climb above them, pushing Nuno’s side, who are not in action again until a Monday night visit to Tottenham Hotspur, down to sixth, only ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Martinez moves well enough laterally to make defenders miss and bounce outside.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2025
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In recent decades, the agency has continued boring tunnels where needed to move water.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Cody then admitted to shoving his son and that a fight ensued between all parties.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2025
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When his son stepped in between Balmer and his wife, Balmer allegedly shoved his son out of the way and then punched his wife with a closed fist.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Ontario Home Builders’ Association warned last month that tariffs and counter-tariffs on steel and aluminum products would likely drive up the costs of construction materials, making building and buying new homes more expensive, worsening the housing affordability issue.—
Hira Humayun,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2025
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Atlanta took advantage, with Trae Young driving for a layup to tie the score at 106 with 1.3 seconds remaining and force overtime.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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She was thrust into J.J. Yeley’s car as she was bumped off the starting grid because of ownership points.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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But after one particularly long period in the 13th century with no pope, the church imposed new rules that thrust the election — literally — behind closed doors.—
Joe Hernandez,
NPR,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Blue Jays outfielder’s incredible play came just hours after Toronto activated him off the injured list to make his season debut.—
Jenna West,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
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High quality incense can span a wide range of notes, often activated in inventive ways through the burning process.—
Lauren Arzbaecher,
Architectural Digest,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Everywhere The intersection of technology and education is one of the most compelling areas to impel social and economic development.—
Haroldo Jacobovicz,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Wayne Cornelius, an immigration scholar at the University of California, San Diego, has found that bleak job prospects are most likely to impel undocumented immigrants to leave.—
Miriam Jordan,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Propel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propel. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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