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
Some, in wheelchairs, are propelled along by other students.
—
David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Judges expect elite men’s skaters to rotate four times in the air several times during their program and to utilize different parts of the blade to propel their launch.
—Robert Samuels, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
When activated, the leg shells pick up the heels and propel the feet purposefully forward.
—Chloe Veltman, NPR, 10 Feb. 2026
The decision instead reflected how California, Florida and other states were propelled by Ed O’Bannon’s successful case over the uncompensated use of college players’ likenesses in video game to adopt NIL statutes.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for propel
David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Judges expect elite men’s skaters to rotate four times in the air several times during their program and to utilize different parts of the blade to propel their launch.
—Robert Samuels, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
When activated, the leg shells pick up the heels and propel the feet purposefully forward.
—Chloe Veltman, NPR, 10 Feb. 2026
The decision instead reflected how California, Florida and other states were propelled by Ed O’Bannon’s successful case over the uncompensated use of college players’ likenesses in video game to adopt NIL statutes.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for propel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propel
Verb
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The decisions centered around the dates for quarterfinal and semifinal games, as well as the move to push the championship game back to even further in January has drawn some backlash.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Its forecast for profit in the current quarter fell short of analysts' expectations as an industrywide shortage of memory pushes some handset makers to cut back on orders.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Molecular motion drives repair In earlier animal studies, a single injection 24 hours after severe injury enabled mice to regain the ability to walk within weeks.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
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The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management advised the public to secure loose outdoor items, watch for falling branches, and use caution while driving or walking.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Photos show a white sedan lodged through the wall, tearing into the kitchen and leaving cabinets with the microwave attached knocked loose off the wall and the oven shoved out of place.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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Officers often shove protesters out of the way, sometimes knocking them to the ground.—
Natasha Korecki,
NBC news,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As a politicized national fight over waste, fraud and abuse led by Republicans have targeted California and its Democratic leadership, Bonta and other state officials have moved swiftly to combat the claims.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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Moreover, the bottle had only ever moved between Burgundy and Bordeaux, a driving distance of roughly 300 miles.—
Pin Yen Tan 9 min ago,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Loudermill, a father of three from Olathe, was thrust into the public eye when his photograph, decked out in a Chiefs-red sweatsuit, sitting on a curb in handcuffs, began spreading rapidly online.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
14 Feb. 2026
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Like many international breakouts, Lilleaas has been thrust into the whirlwind of awards season.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The garage sprinkler system had activated, helping control the fire prior to the department’s arrival, according to officials.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
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Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Propel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propel. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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