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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
There’s no way to move forward without acknowledging that. Cindy Juyoung Ok june 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025 Already, by last year, JP Morgan Chase, which was founded in New York City more than 200 years ago and has 24,000 employees still in New York today, has started moving workers out of New York by the thousands. Time, 26 June 2025
Noun
Until Victor, in a truly sly move, literalizes it and gives you one last gem of a speech. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2025 Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 379, a move that was unanimously supported by both state chambers. Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • After spending his childhood in Minnesota, his family relocated to Orlando.
    Avery Stone, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
  • The last three teams were all retread markets filling a void left by teams that relocated.
    John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • This economic activity drives growth in industries from retail and automotive to housing and hospitality.
    Ana Valdez, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Preventing the spread of marijuana laced with chemicals is one of the driving factors behind Tyson's push for federal reform.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Fast-forward to today, and much of that trust has shifted to social media influencers and vocal business leaders who shape opinions and drive purchasing decisions.
    Nitin Gupta, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Though there is more clarity on the potential composition of the fiscal package, tariff policy uncertainty can shift at moment’s notice.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Extending the ceiling through a reconciliation bill would allow the government to keep making scheduled payments — including Social Security checks, veterans' benefits and tax refunds — and help avoid the kind of financial market turmoil that can negatively affect the broader economy.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 24 June 2025
  • Boozman’s committee was responsible for drafting legislation affecting nutrition assistance and agriculture programs.
    Alex Thomas, Arkansas Online, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • The bills’ sponsors and advocates are encouraged by the bipartisan support received so far.
    Lauren Jessop, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2025
  • The return of blue-book exams might disadvantage students who were encouraged to master typing at a young age.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • As the relationship between the young couple became more serious, Sarah’s parents tried to show him the best of Kansas City in the hopes that Yaron — who grew up in Germany and Israel — might be persuaded to stay in the US.
    Wolf Blitzer, CNN Money, 29 June 2025
  • Even with that new path looming, though, his father, Ignacio, persuaded him to attend one last tryout in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo that would be scouted by all 30 MLB teams.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, in suburban Cook County, three courthouses — in Skokie, Maywood and Markham — were activated as 24/7 cooling centers from June 21 to June 24 in response to the heat advisory.
    Lily Carey, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • It’s been a couple of years since Google and Jamestown activated a stretch of downtown San Jose near SAP Center with its Creekside Socials, block parties with music, art and food trucks.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • The big exited Barclays Center that night in a walking boot and stayed in New York Friday to undergo further imaging and evaluation while the team traveled to Seattle to begin a four-game roadtrip.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
  • Its powered sliding door can open and close on its own so a passenger doesn’t need to turn around and shut it after exiting.
    Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/move. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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