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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb move differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of move are actuate, drive, and impel. While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position.

moved the furniture

In what contexts can actuate take the place of move?

The words actuate and move can be used in similar contexts, but actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion.

turbines actuated by waterpower

When might drive be a better fit than move?

While in some cases nearly identical to move, drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.

a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

Where would impel be a reasonable alternative to move?

The synonyms impel and move are sometimes interchangeable, but impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.

a candidate impelled by ambition

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 move
Verb
She was again moved at 4 a.m. on March 26 to Burlington, Vermont, before she was finally transferred to the ICE detention center in Basile. Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2025 This left him a lame-duck president prevented from moving forward on legislation to cut taxes and ease business regulations, as his main rivals in the Democratic Party used parliament to impeach key cabinet members and hold up a budget bill. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
Initially a frontrunner for the 2024 elections, he was forced to step aside, paving the way for ally José Raúl Mulino to take his place on the ballot—a move that ultimately secured Mulino the presidency. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025 Those two aspirations are difficult while at Palace and therefore a move away would suit him. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • The main interior difference is a spacious main salon made larger by relocating the bulky and imposing HVAC trunk (the main technical passageway for air that on previous models took up much of the formal dining area) to the exterior.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But with Pokrovsk itself heavily defended and the military supplies previously situated there largely relocated, Russia’s main effort in the area could be to push westward, rather than north.
    Andrew Carey and Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Tate Beran drove in a pair of runs, while Ryan Kastor picked up his second save with two scoreless innings of relief.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Comedian and car aficionado Jay Leno drove state Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, in a 1976 Pontiac Trans-Am past the state Capitol on Tuesday, rallying support for legislation that would ease restrictions on classic cars.
    HECTOR AMEZCUA, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In the business world, in particular, many companies shifted operations from fully on-site work models to remote and hybrid work models.
    Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Instead, Outback will shift to setting consistently low prices.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Wang and his crew will conduct 22 research experiments centered on how spaceflight and microgravity affect the human body that will provide insights for future long-duration missions deep into the cosmos.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The outcome of those cases will affect U.S. life in many ways.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To bring in more visitors, Katsuo-ji came up with a creative way to encourage tourists to engage with the Daruma dolls.
    Rebecca Cairns, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The intersection did not have lights, bells or arms to warn drivers of an approaching train, a recommendation the National Transportation Board has encouraged since 1998.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Again, this is a case of humans using AI to persuade people to adopt their views rather than an indication that AI is extreme or prone to suggesting extreme ideas and behaviors.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Edwards said the heaviest charges may have been included as a scare tactic to try and persuade Read to take a plea deal.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In this case, we’re well served to recognize that our social capital is enriched by diversifying across those deeper, fewer connections as well as the more numerous casual relationships that often have an outsized positive impact when activated at the right time.
    Tim Maurer, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Every morning, guests can watch as the Chronos opens the portals by lining them up and activating them.
    Samantha Neely, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While stocks may continue their short-term celebration, the long-term sustainability of this rally is being undermined by something few are talking about: a major foreign holder of U.S. debt may be exiting the market in protest.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Wong remained in the game to finish the inning but soon exited.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on move

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