Synonyms of propelling

propelling

verb

present participle of propel

1

as in pushing

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

• pushing
• shoving
• driving
• thrusting
• moving
• forcing
• squeezing
• jamming
• impelling
• pressuring
• compressing
• bearing (down)
• weighing (upon)
• compelling
• squashing
• depressing
• leaning (on or against)
• ramming
• muscling
• bulldozing

2

as in driving

to set or keep in motion

the aircraft is propelled by a pair of turboprop engines

Synonyms & Similar Words

• driving
• moving
• activating
• actuating
• impelling
• working
• triggering
• stimulating
• motivating
• raising
• provoking
• inciting
• abetting
• fermenting
• stirring (up)
• fomenting
• whipping (up)
• galvanizing
• tripping
• exciting
• rousing
• firing (up)
• inspiring
• setting off
• arousing
• instigating
• inflaming

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• controlling
• containing
• regulating
• restraining
• inhibiting
• curbing
• checking
• constraining
• bridling
• reining (in)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of propelling

The failure of two candidates — one Democratic and one independent — to consolidate anti-Republican support against GOP candidate Kurt Alme is propelling him to victory, according to polling first shared with Semafor. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Her volunteer work with the PTA at her children's school, Rightsell Elementary, was just the beginning, propelling her into a world of community activism and politics. — Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026

This sexy thriller got mixed reviews on its release but became a pretty big hit anyway, propelling its stars higher and even launching a franchise. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

While the rocket’s first stage — the booster used for liftoff — returned to Earth, its second, or upper, stage continued propelling the robotic landers on their path to the moon. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026

Thrive’s fingerprints are all over the relatively small number of companies that are rapidly propelling AI forward, moving with more confidence and speed than many people probably want. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Prosecutors argued that the building caught on fire, triggering a massive explosion and propelling canisters in the air, one of which fatally struck Salter in the head. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

While aiding her in the street, Lamelas, driving a gold Ford Expedition, struck Gamez, propelling him into the air. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026

In reality, a doting manager or eagle-eyed boss won’t be the ones propelling their careers. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026