1
2
as in to pry
to draw out by force or with effort
the dentist had to struggle to pull the tooth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in tug
the act or an instance of applying force on something so that it moves in the direction of the force
I gave the door such a pull that when it suddenly opened, I nearly fell backwards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in influence
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
their lawyer supposedly has a lot of pull with the administration in Washington
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
a political candidate with all of the pull that comes with a vast fortune and famous surname
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pull
Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 3 Feb. 2023
As ghosts, fate and the sheer power of true love pull Nicholas and Isabel together, so too does life threaten to tear them apart.
—Alex Ritman, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2023
Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Laura arrives there to rebuild her life, but the irresistible pull of quick money and crime immediately draws her back into a troubled past.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pull
Verb
During the event, Riley wore black boots, a black dress, held a black and gold bag, and rocked a pair of massive gold hoops to pull it all together.
—Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 3 Feb. 2023
As ghosts, fate and the sheer power of true love pull Nicholas and Isabel together, so too does life threaten to tear them apart.
—Alex Ritman, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2023
Noun
For all of the talent on the roster and the global pull that has followed, Miami had not backed up that reputation with results.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Laura arrives there to rebuild her life, but the irresistible pull of quick money and crime immediately draws her back into a troubled past.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pull
Verb
-
Built to haul small satellites to orbit, the rocket stands 82 feet (25 meters) tall and has an unusual design for a modern launcher, with three stages, each powered by hybrid engines burning a proprietary solid fuel mixed with a liquid oxidizer.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
14 May 2025
-
Equally impressive were the things people couldn’t see, like the large basement spaces where animal acts would await their turn—complete with an elevator stout enough to haul elephants.—
Randy Mason,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
As the demonstrations stretched across the summer and fall, students took action too.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
-
Horses line up at a 65-foot starting gate that stretches across the track.—
Javier Zarracina,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
The title tugs on the irony of Mulvaney’s three-dimensional story while playing with the two-dimensional notion of what a paper doll is.—
Denny,
Them.,
30 Apr. 2025
-
While puppies often love rubbery chew toys, older or senior dogs may prefer softer toys that are easier to hold and tug.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Her style leans toward country and Americana with a wide array of rhythmic influences.—
Monica Hooper,
Arkansas Online,
18 May 2025
-
The influence here, though, permeated into the clubhouse, its effect just as long lasting.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
The researchers found that the flamingos use the motion of water to their advantage, combining techniques to funnel water—and the invertebrates within it—to their mouths.—
Sara Hashemi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
13 May 2025
-
Coker and Moore have the advantage in roles department, while Chisena has the advantage with special teams.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
Andre needs some help The Brazil international midfielder dragged himself from the field near the end on Saturday, with Pereira later allaying any fears about an injury.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
-
Gunther dragged Cole into the ring and pushed him around and out of the ring.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2025
Verb
-
The global economy had been yanked in every direction, nonstop, for weeks.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
13 May 2025
-
His childhood home in Dolton happened to be on the market on the day of his election, but it was quickly yanked off when the owner heard the exciting news.—
Natalia Senanayake,
People.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Eventually this chokes air from the soil and restricts water movement, hurting the overall health of your lawn.—
Kate Puhala,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 May 2025
-
The standoff threatens to dramatically disrupt trade between the world's two largest economies and hurt both economies.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pull. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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