IMPEL Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'impel' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of impel are actuate , drive , and move . While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus. // a candidate impelled by ambition

Q: When is it sensible to use 'actuate' instead of 'impel'?

The synonyms actuate and impel are sometimes interchangeable, but actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion. // turbines actuated by waterpower

Q: When is 'drive' a more appropriate choice than 'impel'?

Although the words drive and impel have much in common, drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus. // a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

Q: When would 'move' be a good substitute for 'impel'?

The words move and impel can be used in similar contexts, but move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position. // moved the furniture

impel

verb

im-ˈpel

Definition of impel next

as in to drive

to set or keep in motion gasoline impels a car's engine

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to compel

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure I felt impelled to tell the truth, however painful it might be

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb impel differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of impel are actuate, drive, and move. While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.

a candidate impelled by ambition

When is it sensible to use actuate instead of impel?

The synonyms actuate and impel are sometimes interchangeable, but actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion.

turbines actuated by waterpower

When is drive a more appropriate choice than impel?

Although the words drive and impel have much in common, drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.

a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

When would move be a good substitute for impel?

The words move and impel can be used in similar contexts, but move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position.

moved the furniture

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 impel When Instagram sends notifications about likes or worthwhile posts, people are impelled to open the app and start scrolling; when sports-betting apps send push alerts about fantastic parlays, people are coaxed into placing one more bet. —

Christine Emba, The Atlantic, 8 July 2024 Recent botanical research such as Clark’s impelled the foundation to expand into Centinela. —

Amanda Schupak, CNN, 13 June 2024 What impelled you to put aside the instinct for self-preservation and risk your lives to take these cliffs? —

The Editors, National Review, 6 June 2024 China’s growing economic and political reach has impelled Australia, India, Japan, and the United States to try to gain influence in the countries not yet tightly aligned with either bloc. —

Paul Staniland, Foreign Affairs, 2 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for impel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impel

Verb

Omega-6 fatty acids have also been implicated in the processes that drive colon cancer.

— Mary J. Scourboutakos, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2025
Any salary or pension benefit increases for city workers would further drive up short- and long-term costs.

— Mariana Trujillo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025