moving

adjective

mov·​ing ˈmü-viŋ 

1

a

: marked by or capable of movement

b

: of or relating to a change of residence

moving expenses

c

: used for transferring furnishings from one residence to another

a moving van

d

: involving a motor vehicle that is in motion

a moving violation

2

a

: producing or transferring motion or action

b

: stirring deeply in a way that evokes a strong emotional response

a moving story of a faithful dog

movingly

ˈmü-viŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• affecting
• emotional
• impactful
• impressive
• poignant
• stirring
• touching

Choose the Right Synonym for moving

moving, impressive, poignant, affecting, touching, pathetic mean having the power to produce deep emotion.

moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

Examples of moving in a Sentence

a moving story of a faithful dog

He gave a moving speech at the memorial service.

Recent Examples on the Web

Though relatively small, the exhibit is a concise and moving look at some details even Kahlo's biggest fans might not know. —Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 28 Jan. 2025

His wife, Melissa, heartbroken and angry at his loss, provides some of the most moving testimony. —Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2025

What follows is a very moving scene between Dylan and Irving. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

In what might be the film’s most moving section, Robbie meets Nicole Appleton (Raechelle Banno), lead singer of the all-girl band All Saints, one New Year’s Eve at a masked party on a boat. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing moving

• get moving
• moving force/spirit
• moving picture
• moving staircase
• moving van
• moving violation

Kids Definition

moving

adjective

mov·​ing

ˈmü-viŋ

1

: changing place or position

a moving target

2

: causing motion or action

3

: having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies

a moving story

4

a

: of or relating to a change of residence

moving expenses

b

: used for moving belongings from one place to another

a moving van

movingly adverb