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 Without doing so, the city risks adding to the recent record of downgrades from the ratings agencies and impels that any new infrastructure debt minimizes additional costs over the long run. Dana Levenson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025 Former heavyweight champion George Foreman, who once famously tried to shatter those bounds, later came to recognize what impelled Ali. Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025 Indeed, the latter shooting captured national attention, bred community outcries for change and impelled discussions among leaders about ways to make the murky path of preventing violent crime more clear. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025 Threats to current business models from ever-changing market dynamics impel organizations to invest in a culture of continuous learning to ensure employees can tackle incoming changes with confidence and agility. Ann Blakely, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impel
Verb
  • The Ontario Home Builders’ Association warned last month that tariffs and counter-tariffs on steel and aluminum products would likely drive up the costs of construction materials, making building and buying new homes more expensive, worsening the housing affordability issue.
    Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The study found a 6% annual decline, driven by poaching, habitat loss and weak law enforcement.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Cabinet members and other White House officials, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, claimed Monday morning that the ruling had actually been in the administration's favor and did not compel them to bring back Abrego Garcia.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • In response to the AFT’s request for a temporary restraining order to compel the department to resume IDR application processing, the Department of Education filed papers in court last week indicating that processing for ICR, IBR, and PAYE applications would be resuming in the coming weeks.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Our reporters talk to each other and move around candidates from one category to another.
    Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The bill also included moving $1.1 million from the Constitutional Defense Fund into the Legislative Legal Defense Fund.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, no amount of care or good intentions can prevent the sudden demolition of the brothers’ home, courtesy of a vague order from the IDF — for which the family is even forced to pay.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • If these companies cannot find alternative suppliers, they may be forced to move their production out of China altogether.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Mars and Pluto activate your Leo-Aquarius axis on April 26, stirring questions about career, leadership, and emotional safety.
    Colin Bedell, Them., 18 Apr. 2025
  • According to the statement, one NFI and one WFI were activated on April 14, and the other two NFIs were activated on April 16.
    Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The settlement also adds that Google will not interfere with, restrain or coerce workers in the exercise of their rights.
    Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • If a sitting or former president can successfully coerce law firms into submission by threatening financial ruin, what happens to the idea of legal independence?
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Though often criticized and not without frequent failures, the company’s resilience and experimentation have propelled major advancements in electric vehicles and renewable energy.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The baseball traveled 375 feet and propelled the Tigers to a 3-1 victory.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • We are obligated not only to seek justice for ourselves, but also to protect the rights and freedoms afforded to all people.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
  • One caution: a pre-listing inspection obligates the seller to disclose or repair deficiencies.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impel. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!