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 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
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Recent Examples of propel
But porters were able to supplement their wages with tips, which helped propel their families toward the middle class.
—
Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
That propelled them into first place and eventually toward an American League pennant.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026
That sky-high valuation has been propelled by some truly surreal buying behavior from everyday investors.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
The House’s periodic descent into politically motivated censure votes, however, could propel them to make a change next year.
—Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for propel
Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
That propelled them into first place and eventually toward an American League pennant.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026
That sky-high valuation has been propelled by some truly surreal buying behavior from everyday investors.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
The House’s periodic descent into politically motivated censure votes, however, could propel them to make a change next year.
—Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for propel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propel
Verb
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The contrast between bright snowfields and deep shadows has always pushed displays to their limits, but on the G6, viewers can finally see the deep, rich blacks that the filmmakers originally intended.—
Nam Sunwoo,
Variety,
19 June 2026
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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.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Verb
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In other words, the current combination of US political tensions and global conflicts are driving more US nationals to seek new options overseas.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
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Naturally, Ohtani also singled, doubled, walked and drove in two runs in that game.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Verb
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With New York greats including Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley watching from the stands, Brunson shoved them all aside, etching his name as the greatest Knickerbocker of all time with a heroic effort that even managed to erase Willis Reed from the record books.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
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In the video, the first driver can be seen shoving the second vehicle's door closed as the driver attempts to get out of their vehicle.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Verb
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The pair moved to the parking lot, where several others became involved.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
19 June 2026
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The Eastern Pacific remains a key corridor for narcotics trafficking, with criminal organizations frequently using small vessels to move drugs toward North America.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Apple on Monday announced Siri AI, a major revamp the company hopes will thrust its roughly 15-year-old digital assistant into the spotlight alongside OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
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The construction will now proceed to install the thermal insulation, support and thrust trusses, and other equipment and measuring channels to enable reactor vessel assembly as early as next year.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
12 June 2026
Verb
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At the intersection of North Green Hills Drive, the statement said, the driver activated a turn signal, then canceled it and kept going straight ahead.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
15 June 2026
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In response to the advisory, the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust has activated an emergency outreach plan.—
Miami Herald Staff Report,
Miami Herald,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Propel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propel. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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