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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of propel
The release of video footage of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska’s death on the Lynx Blue Line last week instantly propelled the narrative from a local story to a national conservative media firestorm with Charlotte at the center.
—
Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
Evidence, including the plane drawing and Washington video, was turned over in 2022 by British authorities that helped propel the case forward.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Though the mutilations would not be publicly viewed, the description in print alone was enough to grip the imagination of Angelenos and propel the story to the front pages of newspapers across the country.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2025
Shares climbed 36%, propelling Oracle to a record high .
—Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propel
Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
Evidence, including the plane drawing and Washington video, was turned over in 2022 by British authorities that helped propel the case forward.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Though the mutilations would not be publicly viewed, the description in print alone was enough to grip the imagination of Angelenos and propel the story to the front pages of newspapers across the country.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2025
Shares climbed 36%, propelling Oracle to a record high .
—Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propel
Verb
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On Wednesday, New York mayoral favorite Zohran Mamdani launched a public petition, calling on FIFA to make tickets to 2026 World Cup games—including the final in New Jersey—affordable, pushing the international soccer organization to set aside 15% of seats for locals in particular.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Plants can’t move like people do, so they are exposed to the sun all day long, Fuller said.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
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Both offenses are moving with little resistance thus far.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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Elsewhere, a strange new trend has started, seeing users stitch together clips of Jeremiah from various episodes into horror film-like videos, driving home the message that this is not just another cute, curly-haired college student but a malevolent Disney villain.—
Olivia Petter,
Vogue,
16 Sep. 2025
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Discover the fascinating economics driving billion-dollar industries.—
thehustle.co,
thehustle.co,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That cost them a chance to truly challenge the Phillies in the division and thrust them into a dogfight for the NL’s last wild-card spot.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Sep. 2025
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Hayabusa2 achieved 10 milli-Newtons (mN) of thrust from 300–500 watts of electrical power produced by its solar arrays.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As Lyles started to activate his signature top-end speed, his Jamaican competitors continued to pull away ahead of him.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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The Angels already had a catcher on the concussion list, but Logan O’Hoppe has been progressing well and he’s expected to be activated when the Angels begin a series in Milwaukee on Tuesday.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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While the recent protests were sparked by the social media ban, protesters said that they had been impelled by years of government corruption and failure to provide young people with economic opportunities.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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Our faith had recklessly impelled us toward a commitment that faith alone could not sustain.—
Terry Nguyen
July 23,
Literary Hub,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Propel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propel. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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