1
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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2
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
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Recent Examples of propels
This youthfulness, combined with an openness to innovation, propels the country’s rapid evolution.
—
Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025
The movie stars one of Rancho’s own, Jay Dee (frontman of Herencia de Patrones), as Chito, a young farm worker whose raw talent propels him from the fields to viral fame amid a new wave of Mexican-American music.
—Thania Garcia, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
Given that the stock has been essentially flat since 2021, this next breakout effort could be the one that propels it decisively through prior highs — and beyond.
—Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
The album’s debut propels eight new songs on the on Hot Latin Songs chart, which combines airplay, streaming data and digital sales into its ranking.
—Pamela Bustios, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, the electric field also propels a flow of ions across the nanopore.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2025
Nonetheless, her bloodlust propels her through a liminal purgatory called Otherworld, a desert plane of reality ravaged by war, rife with innocent victims, and haunted by rootless spirits like her.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
This is the question that propels Netflix’s Wayward, an extraordinary new series from the comedian and Feel Good creator Mae Martin.
—Judy Berman, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
This fifth entry, while largely revolving around the past and the origins of Treadstone — including surprising ties to Bourne’s dad (Gregg Henry) — also propels the story into contemporary technological territory.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2025
Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025
The movie stars one of Rancho’s own, Jay Dee (frontman of Herencia de Patrones), as Chito, a young farm worker whose raw talent propels him from the fields to viral fame amid a new wave of Mexican-American music.
—Thania Garcia, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
Given that the stock has been essentially flat since 2021, this next breakout effort could be the one that propels it decisively through prior highs — and beyond.
—Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
The album’s debut propels eight new songs on the on Hot Latin Songs chart, which combines airplay, streaming data and digital sales into its ranking.
—Pamela Bustios, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, the electric field also propels a flow of ions across the nanopore.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2025
Nonetheless, her bloodlust propels her through a liminal purgatory called Otherworld, a desert plane of reality ravaged by war, rife with innocent victims, and haunted by rootless spirits like her.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
This is the question that propels Netflix’s Wayward, an extraordinary new series from the comedian and Feel Good creator Mae Martin.
—Judy Berman, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
This fifth entry, while largely revolving around the past and the origins of Treadstone — including surprising ties to Bourne’s dad (Gregg Henry) — also propels the story into contemporary technological territory.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propels
Verb
-
The domino effect pushes deliveries out, forces expensive air freight, and overloads suppliers.—
Raj Dhiman,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Nov. 2025
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During times of high geomagnetic activity, which pushes the northern lights further south, the aurora will be visible directly overhead in the northern United States, according to the prediction center.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Can Green Bay finish drives with touchdowns without Kraft, who has hauled in six of Love's 13 TD passes this year?—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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If search reliability drives a beat, update evergreen explainers and refine the internal links that help readers stay oriented.—
Malana VanTyler,
Ascend Agency,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
When Arthur tries to stop the stranger who has invaded his home from rifling through his drawers, Frank shoves the frail man to the ground.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
29 Oct. 2025
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Nguyen Nik Bonitto shoves the Jets' left tackle back into Justin Fields and Zach Allen crunches him from the interior on that third-down floater.—
Joe Nguyen,
Denver Post,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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First, coverage that moves with changing shapes across the day, not just throughout multiple months.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
11 Nov. 2025
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Thousands of flights have been canceled, a trend that is expected to continue this week even as Congress moves toward reopening the government.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The Moon in Virgo from November 13 to 15 activates your healing and subconscious sector, making this a powerful time to retreat, recalibrate, and listen to the whispers within.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
9 Nov. 2025
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The case magnetically attaches to the back and front of the Gen II and activates sleep/wake functions when the cover is opened and closed.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Propels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propels. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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