1
as in to push
to apply force to (someone or something) so that it moves in front of one
playfully he propelled his rambunctious friend into the swimming pool to cool off
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to move
to set or keep in motion
the aircraft is propelled by a pair of turboprop engines
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of propel
The extreme winds propelled flames and embers that charred homes in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena and Sylmar, among other areas of Los Angeles County.
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Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
It was just motivated by so much fun and enthusiasm by all parties, that that kind of just kept propelling us, no matter when, a little logistical challenge came up.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
Gemma the rescue dog's bashful streak has propelled the video to over 4.7 million views on TikTok.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
High winds helped propel the fires, which have killed at least five people.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for propel 
Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
It was just motivated by so much fun and enthusiasm by all parties, that that kind of just kept propelling us, no matter when, a little logistical challenge came up.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
Gemma the rescue dog's bashful streak has propelled the video to over 4.7 million views on TikTok.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
High winds helped propel the fires, which have killed at least five people.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for propel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propel
Verb
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Senate Democrats have pushed for more information over Bondi's foreign lobbying work to determine any potential conflicts of interest that might surface should she be confirmed as attorney general.Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2025
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The atmosphere and fan rowdiness gave them even more reason to push for their debuts.Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The couple had just moved from their modest fixer-upper in Altadena’s Janes Village to their dream home in architect Gregory Ain’s Park Planned homes, when the Eaton fire roared to life.Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
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The road was so clogged with panicked residents that traffic was barely moving, Ms. Horowitz said, and an emergency responder told everyone to abandon their vehicles and flee toward the beach on foot.Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Biden made a huge error in trying to shove these regulations down the throats of Americans.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
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After Ford wanted to leave the house with their son, the complaint says Ford threatened to beat her, then shoved her into a wall and hit her in the face.Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This year's fires, driven by dry conditions and strong winds, have threatened high-value properties, forced evacuations, and underscored the risks of climate change and urban development in fire-prone areas.John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
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Revenues from services and fees increased by $17.7 million, driven by growth in the Capital Markets and Financial Consulting segments, while the Communications segment saw a decline.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Becoming Queen Zulu Amid her groundbreaking work in Louisiana, Macias was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight in a different arena: Mardi Gras.Javier Hasse, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
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Threat level: When elevators are out of order, people who are unable to take the stairs or have difficulty doing so are thrust into a crisis.Nathan Bomey, Axios, 5 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Burns Calories As a compound exercise, squats activate multiple muscles simultaneously.Laura Campedelli, Verywell Health, 10 Jan. 2025
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The Chargers activated cornerback Eli Apple and wide receiver Simi Fehoko from injured reserve Friday and designated them for return.Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Are the individuals to blame, or are they impelled by a cruel society or a divinely sanctioned hand?Jennifer Homans, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
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Economic troubles have impelled many Southern conservatives, like Mayor Rocker, to consider fresh approaches to the role that government plays in health care.Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near propel
Cite this Entry
“Propel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propel. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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