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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of propel
Strong travel demand and a pullback on capacity by some low-fare carriers, such as Spirit Airlines, have largely propelled the rise in prices.
—
Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Newfound interest in the Epstein case has propelled Wolff, 72, to an unlikely degree of social media stardom, as people just tuning in to the yearslong legal saga flock to his frank, straight-to-camera explainer videos.
—Graph Massara, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Determined to win back control, Pelosi helped recruit and propel dozens of women to office in the 2018 midterm elections as Democrats running as the resistance to Trump’s first term.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
Although there are differences between those candidates, an emphasis on affordability was a common thread through each of those campaigns that helped propel them to victory.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propel
Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Newfound interest in the Epstein case has propelled Wolff, 72, to an unlikely degree of social media stardom, as people just tuning in to the yearslong legal saga flock to his frank, straight-to-camera explainer videos.
—Graph Massara, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Determined to win back control, Pelosi helped recruit and propel dozens of women to office in the 2018 midterm elections as Democrats running as the resistance to Trump’s first term.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
Although there are differences between those candidates, an emphasis on affordability was a common thread through each of those campaigns that helped propel them to victory.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propel
Verb
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What Veblen saw as the public exhibition of wealth has become the performance of aspiration, now filmed, edited, and pushed through a recommendation feed.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 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,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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As previously reported by Fox News Digital, the unrest has been driven by a mix of economic desperation and political anger.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
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While there are some other small new concessions in the CBA that will help players make ends meet (such as getting access to health benefits in the offseason), to hear ECHLers explain their strike vote, the pay bump was never the driving force.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Spurs forward Julian Champagnie immediately shoved Vanderbilt as Fox remained between the players, trying to keep them separated.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 2026
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Fleury was shoved to the ice by Golden Knights winger Keegan Kolesar after sending a breakout pass and slid backward into the end boards.—
Jesse Granger,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Then, at the next vehicle entrance, the city is proposing a tunnel so bike traffic can move without interacting with cars.—
Amir Mahmoud,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
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Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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He's rubbed elbows with corporate executives who are interested in Pennsylvania as a data center destination and thrust Pennsylvania into competition for billions of dollars being spent on manufacturing and artificial intelligence infrastructure.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Eventually, he was thrust into a starting safety role during the 2021 playoffs due to injury.—
Mike Kaye
January 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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During inquiries, the ICO found 178 active email accounts using passwords identical or similar to those set by the organization’s IT desk when the account was activated.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a safe spot, like a nearby business parking lot, to pull over and stop.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Propel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propel. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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