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 Democrats’ stance on tariffs and candidates’ stated intentions to repeal them—especially those deployed against the country’s closest ally—were a major factor propelling them to victory this election cycle. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026

Harvey Gantt, Charlotte’s first Black mayor, credited fundraisers at the Excelsior with propelling his political career. — Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026

Dues, 54, gathered herself then pushed hard, propelling the wheelchair that carried her injured niece to the polls. — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026

Connor McDavid had a goal and two assists in the dynamic first period of his four-point night, propelling the Edmonton Oilers to a 4-1 victory over the winless Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Connor McDavid had a goal and two assists in the dynamic first period of his four-point night, propelling the Edmonton Oilers to a 4-1 victory over the winless Kings on Tuesday. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

But now, as excitement swirls over social media giant Meta Platforms' AI agent, traders are pouring into Snap call options on Monday, propelling trading volume to more than four times the month-long average, Cboe LiveVol data show. — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026

Madonna sealed the collection’s fame by wearing one of its standout looks to that year’s MTV Video Music Awards, catapulting the charismatic Ford onto the international stage and propelling Gucci to extraordinary commercial success. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

Sullivan’s output has reignited Philadelphia, with 10 wins and two draws from their 12 post-World Cup matches propelling them from the bottom of the Eastern Conference into a play-off position with seven regular-season games to go. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026