PROPEL Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

propel

verb

prə-ˈpel

Definition of propel

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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as in to drive

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 In many ways, the business that propelled Brand to fame and power was also in the dock. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026 The mix of the two helped propel corruption to be a top voter issue rather than a downballot concern. — Garrett Downs,mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026 The organization helped propel her to an upset City Council victory in 2020, only to reprimand her over disagreements about Israel, housing policy, and the city’s mansion tax. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026 Oil prices dropped sharply Wednesday, propelled by growing hopes for a resolution in the Iran war. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for propel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for propel

Verb

Concern is intensifying as artificial intelligence companies pursue trillion-dollar valuations, and established internet giants pour money into developing advanced AI models while pushing them into the classroom.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
Far-right President Javier Milei's sweeping austerity measures, which have pushed millions of Argentines into poverty, could put him at odds with Leo, who has long championed the poor.

— Carrie Kahn, NPR, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of push

Verb

The video from student cameras on Friday shows pushing and shoving before a Pine-Richland player throws a punch at a Plum player's head.

— CBS News, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
The agent appeared to point their gun at the neighbor’s face before shoving him into a row of hedges.

— Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of shove

Verb

Their shared ambition is straightforward, which is to move fusion from experimental physics rigs into commercially viable power plants.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Kerhonkson was also within easy reach of her sister, who had moved with her family from the East Village to Millbrook, in Dutchess County, in 2024.

— Heather Senison, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of move

Verb

Returning home with the glittering medal draped on his neck, Cassius is lauded but also thrust right back into the oppressive, segregated and deeply racist Louisville.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026
On a journey to protect the fate of her children, Eliza is thrust into a perilous race through London’s dark underworld, where she is confronted by an unexpected villain.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of thrust

Verb

The button can also be set to mute calls or use alternate recording modes like slow motion and hyperlapse, which otherwise need to be activated with voice commands.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026
That means having specific shades and specific products according to consumer needs across regions, as well as how the Sephora Collection brands are activated.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026