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
Relevance
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
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 propel
Hopefully, Jennings can have a solid year, and help propel the team back to the playoffs.
—
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
The bourbon, Heaven Hill Master Distillers Unity, pays homage to three distinct master distillers that have propelled the company through its decades of success.
—Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
India’s ministry of ports, shipping and waterways developed its Maritime India Vision 2030 in 2021 in an effort to propel the country into a maritime powerhouse for trade and become a top-10 shipbuilding nation.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
InSight, managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, was propelled on its voyage aboard an Atlas V rocket, which launched in May 2018 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propel
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
The bourbon, Heaven Hill Master Distillers Unity, pays homage to three distinct master distillers that have propelled the company through its decades of success.
—Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
India’s ministry of ports, shipping and waterways developed its Maritime India Vision 2030 in 2021 in an effort to propel the country into a maritime powerhouse for trade and become a top-10 shipbuilding nation.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
InSight, managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, was propelled on its voyage aboard an Atlas V rocket, which launched in May 2018 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propel
Verb
-
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The Ascent fought back against the defending league champion Tampa Bay Sun in a prime-time Gainbridge Super League matchup, thrilling an energetic Charlotte crowd on a night when kickoff was pushed back roughly 30 minutes due to thunderstorms.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Officers said — and video showed — the rancher moved his hands into his jacket after exiting his truck immediately following the crash.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The website’s mobile observatory — which moves about in search of clear skies — will this year be in Cyprus, where the partial eclipse phases occur 30 minutes after moonrise, with totality an hour after that.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Laura is able to shove Cherry hard enough to pry Daniel away from her and lock her in the room, but Cherry jumps out of the balcony, sacrificing her ankle, and maneuvers herself back into the house.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Vaccaro accused Hill of throwing her to the ground, ripping her hair out, twisting body parts, spitting on her and shoving a marijuana cigarette in her face, according to the TMZ article.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Police reported the suspect got into an awaiting black SUV driven by a second suspect, and the pair fled the scene.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
-
But there is also a deeper democratic malaise driven by his reluctance to heed the message delivered at the ballot box.—
Cole Stangler,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But the tanks were thrust into battle lacking the appropriate armor to defend against drones.—
Marco Hernandez,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The hearing was broadcast live from Melbourne’s Supreme Court, reflecting the intense public interest in the case that thrust Patterson, her family and the small town of Leongatha into the global spotlight.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
By that point though, United had activated on signing Senne Lammens.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Follow the link above to activate the best FanDuel promo code offer.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Our faith had recklessly impelled us toward a commitment that faith alone could not sustain.—
Terry Nguyen
July 23,
Literary Hub,
23 July 2025
-
Four years later, a toxic waste spill led the mine to close altogether, and intense Chinese competition impelled the decision not to reopen.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Propel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propel. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share