PROPELS Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

propels

verb

present tense third-person singular of propel

as in pushes

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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as in drives

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 show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of propels In any traditional chase scene, a clear understanding of hero and villain propels the action forward. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026 Garcia’s comes from standing up straight in his orthodox stance but is driven by his back leg, which propels him forward. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 The shoe has a rocker forefoot that propels you forward and keeps you feeling fast and light. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2026 The main thing that propels Jordan Brand’s retro business is the unique look of its classic sneakers, many of which introduced industry-first designs. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 His attempt to discover what he is supposed to be doing propels him through a succession of increasingly strange encounters, as his search for purpose becomes entangled with his desire for love, friendship and some kind of place in the world. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 This is partly what propels his mole demi-glace, a convergence of inspirations realized in a duck and smoked chicken stock sharpened by the foundational components of mole. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 More importantly, part of what propels the narrative in the book is Bret being the only one of his friends to see a dark side to Robert. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026 In fact, sometimes the name is what propels us toward development in the first place. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for propels

Verb

Stitt pushes and unloads the heavy cart while Bayless guides the way with their list, checking off household staples like bottled water, sugar and toilet paper.

— Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
The constant contrast between pristine nature and industrial machinery is accompanied by a discordant synth-heavy score by composer Robert Nacken, that, at times, pushes the film along and, at others, deliberately drags against it.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of pushes

Verb

But Argano, who drives Engine 10, isn't quite ready to pack it in.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
Also at play are generic and biosimilar products that have come onto the market, offering competition that drives down the prices of expensive brand-name and biologic drugs.

— Melissa Goldin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of drives

Verb

The video shows Ron Thompson appear to swing at Thompson, and Stephanie Daniels shoves her.

— Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 9 July 2026
Here in the famous Festival Theatre, the sprite Ariel, played in splendidly sprightly fashion by Marissa Orjalo, opens up the top of a piano, a piece of island flotsam and Prospero, in the form of the veteran actor Geraint Wyn Davies, shoves his coat inside, throws up his hands and closes the lid.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

Definition of shoves

Verb

Colorado moves way up to one spot ahead of Georgia Tech after blocking the final field goal for the road win over the Yellow Jackets.

— Chris Vannini, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Buoyed by her leadership of the multi-billion-dollar expansion project last decade, Espino moves up from deputy administrator to take full command of the canal.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of moves

Verb

Home asks for adjustments as the temperamental Moon activates your 4th House of Family and Foundations, bringing feelings up around privacy that supports your well‑being.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2026
If the vehicle has no power and the window remains fully raised, Tesla warns the glass could shatter when someone activates the release.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026