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

Relevance

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 The system uses the firm’s Prometheus electromagnetic accelerator that propels test materials through simulated weather. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026 Will Smith’s star power propelled non-sequel superhero title Hancock and the Steven Spielberg-Tom Cruise pairing helped push War of the Worlds into tentpole territory. — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026 The ship’s engine propels it when wind conditions are poor, giving the crew more control over its port schedule. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Willis, meanwhile, isn’t wasting anytime preparing to once again command center staged with the group that propelled him to international stardom. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for propel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for propel

Verb

Handing the survivor her jewelry and hearing her story a few days later gave Dondi and her team of volunteers a reassuring nudge to push forward with their work.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Normally, the onshore flow — a west-to-southwest wind that creates the ocean breeze and pushes air away from the coasts — would push the particulate matter with it.

— Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of push

Verb

Feedback will help guide future improvements for people who walk, bike, use transit and drive through the corridor.

— Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
When her husband, financier John Molner, returned home from the gym, the two drove to the campus of the Aspen Institute, where Couric was excited to hit the hot dog stand for lunch.

— Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 8 July 2026

Definition of drive

Verb

Hakimi shoved Laryea to the ground and then Laryea pushed him and a minor scuffle ensued.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
The calming locales both complement and contradict the plot’s revelations, which are hardly bombshells but do speak to how well-to-do families labor to shove inconvenient skeletons into the closet.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026