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

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

That’s appreciable, and propelling this Winter’s Tale’s legibility is a cast full of undeniably excellent actors. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 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

The 305 put the pressure on Boston late, with Beasley propelling a 18-9 run as Amerant Bank Arena came to life, but Miami couldn’t capitalize and fell 50-47. — Ava Dicecca, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

Ionescu scored 14 points in the first quarter, propelling the visitors to a 36-30 lead. — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026