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 noirish mystery propelling the narrative isn’t even really the point. — ABC News, 29 July 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

Over the course of six weeks, fan favorites Bryce Alakai and Trinity Tatum evolved from friends to lovers, propelling their connection above the rest. — Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

The gravity assist maneuver wasn't unlike a slingshot, propelling the Psyche spacecraft on a trajectory to arrive at the metallic main-belt asteroid Psyche by the end of 2029, NASA explained. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Back when Pitchfork could make or break bands, the website championed the London outfit, propelling the unlikely quintet from dorky purveyors of melodic dance songs to champions of the painfully cool. — David Harris, SPIN, 21 July 2026

The role of Ren McCormack would instead go to fellow actor Kevin Bacon, propelling him into the mainstream. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026

But Haaland’s American adventure has also changed his life forever, propelling him to a whole new level of stardom. — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Shares were up again today, propelling it to another new high. — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 13 July 2026