MOVE Synonyms: 465 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

move 1 of 2

verb

ˈmüv

Definition of move next

as in to relocate

to change the place or position of I need you to move all your books off that chair before company gets here

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Relevance

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as in to drive

to set or keep in motion the hands of the wall clock are moved by battery

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as in to shift

to change one's position don't move while I'm trying to draw your portrait

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as in to affect

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response we were deeply moved by the program of patriotic music

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as in to encourage

to rouse to strong feeling or action the heartfelt appeal moved the people to reach into their pockets and donate generously

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as in to persuade

to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest requests the report moved me to change my mind about the issue

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as in to activate

to cause to function this one button moves the whole machine

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as in to exit

to leave a place often for another the police officer told the loiterers to move along

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move

2 of 2

noun

as in means

an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result retiring early was a smart move

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as in shifting

the act or an instance of changing position don't make a move

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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

With their young talent and upcoming draft picks, the Heat have moved forward in crafting such a potential package. —

Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2025 For its August return, the event — which showcases reggae and Pacific Islands music — is moving outdoors and expanding to two days. —

George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025

Noun

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng surged 3.7% for one of the biggest moves. —

Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2025 The move was slammed by Baldoni’s team in a memo sent Friday to U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman. —

Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for move

Recent Examples of Synonyms for move

Verb

The couple relocated to Compton in 1984, hoping for new opportunities.

— Nasha Smith, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Despite the truce holding, Trump continues to promote his controversial proposal to relocate all Palestinians from Gaza and redevelop the area as an international travel destination.

— Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025