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move

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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
For this reason, Israel’s attack was not just on Iran’s nuclear sites but on its missile bases—specifically aiming to prevent Iran from moving its missiles from storage to its launchpads. Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 Brown has become one of the heartbeats of the team as a penalty killer and role player who can move up in the lineup. Scott Powers, New York Times, 14 June 2025
Noun
On Friday, Lively's attorneys filed a motion to withdraw and dismiss her claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress, saying the move would streamline the case and focus on other claims made against Baldoni. Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 June 2025 The move is a recognition by Sony that broadcast TV audiences are aging, and the studio must expand its reach to stay relevant with younger viewers. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • The New York Racing Association temporarily relocated it there while Belmont Park on Long Island undergoes nearly half-a-billion dollars in renovations.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 June 2025
  • The police department will relocate to a facility in a 950-space parking garage being built on the east side of campus.
    Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Goldstein drove Boozer home with a sacrifice fly and Corral plated the go-ahead run with a single through the right side.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025
  • And two-thirds of households with an EV have another non-EV that is driven more — hardly a recipe for climate success given that EVs must be driven (a lot) to deliver climate benefits.
    Ashley Nunes, Boston Herald, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Now, markets shift and shrink far too rapidly to rely on the old approach.
    Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Especially as the messaging around nonalcoholic beer has shifted to broaden its appeal, according to Dave Williams, vice president of analytics and insight for Bump Williams Consulting, a Connecticut firm that specializes in the alcoholic beverage industry.
    Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • The ceremony also featured people affected by overturning the ban.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
  • But that timing could create legal roadblocks, according to Pardo, because the term limits proposal would be on the same ballot as candidates who would be affected by it.
    Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • In order to protect his brother, Gi-jun encouraged Ju-woon and Bong-san to stage a coup.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 6 June 2025
  • Trump reportedly encouraged Vance to strike a diplomatic tone publicly.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Jonathan Ernst | Reuters European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen managed to persuade the president to give talks more time but, as things stand, the EU has until July 9 to reach a deal with Washington.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 6 June 2025
  • Be on alert for phishing scams – Fraudsters regularly send emails that appear to be from a reputable source in order to persuade individuals to provide valuable personal information, such as access codes, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, account numbers, etc.
    Rick Unser, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Rocker had been dominant in two rehab outings prior to being activated on Wednesday.
    Compiled From Wire Reports, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
  • None of them had their body cameras activated, a violation of department policy.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • This demographic shift is creating a double whammy for employers: Not only are fewer people seeking new opportunities, but a significant portion of the experienced workforce will soon exit the market.
    Duane Tursi, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The Dallas phone company had taken a blood-bath in its four-year foray into entertainment and was eager to exit.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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