drive 1 of 2

1
as in to run
to urge, push, or force onward cowboys drove the herd of cattle from San Antonio to San Francisco

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to motor
to travel by a motorized vehicle I'm going to drive across the country—want to come?

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to push
to apply force to (someone or something) so that it moves in front of one drove the plunger into the opening

Synonyms & Similar Words

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drive

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in campaign
a series of activities undertaken to achieve a goal a fund-raising drive for the school's marching band

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb drive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of drive are actuate, impel, and move. While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.

a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

When might actuate be a better fit than drive?

The words actuate and drive 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 would impel be a good substitute for drive?

While the synonyms impel and drive are close in meaning, impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.

a candidate impelled by ambition

When could move be used to replace drive?

In some situations, the words move and drive are roughly equivalent. However, 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 drive
Verb
This misunderstanding of the vital role of multilingualism in our communities, our economy and our government helps drive the anti-immigrant attitude and actions that will only weaken our country. Annie Abbott, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025 With Scrabble’s 80-year history, 165 million sets sold, and presence in more than 120 countries, the company is banking on the game’s universal recognition to drive international adaptations. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
Details sent to the company included the health and read / write values of the drive using CrystalDiskInfo, which is a program that can read the SMART data embedded in most hard disks. Umar Shakir, The Verge, 7 Feb. 2023 As part of the drive for efficiency, NHS managers were pressured to keep bed vacancies low. David Luhnow, WSJ, 6 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for drive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drive
Verb
  • Kounalakis is one of several candidates running to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom next year.
    William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
  • If granted, the permit by itself would not allow Tesla to run any autonomous vehicle rides, with or without someone behind the wheel.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Can-Am The Pulse e-moto is designed as a street commuter for motoring around town, while the Origin is built as a dual-sport to venture into uncharted territory.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2025
  • If a whale appears closer than that, the boats are advised to slowly motor away from the animal.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Despite the trifecta, Trump is pushing an expansive view of executive power that questions the role of Congress and the courts to serve as a check over federal agencies.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Despite its passage the Legislature has pushed back on implementing the law, pointing instead to routine audits of their work conducted by outside agencies and made public via the state’s website and establishing a committee to consider the Auditor’s requests of them.
    Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Trump has said his previous threats forced the ceasefire that began six weeks ago.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Mar. 2025
  • You are not forced to go far away to film something that’s far.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Leo full moon activates themes of intimacy and transformation, encouraging you to dive deeper into your emotional connections.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The following year, on Oct. 21, the fledgling military branch activated Space Operations Command at Peterson Air Force Base (now Peterson Space Force Base) in Colorado.
    Julian Dossett, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • On one of those days, Sue began asking Ken to move her to a care home.
    Jon Hamilton, NPR, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The dog named Vera was surrendered to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay when her owners moved.
    Liz O'Connell, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • People living or traveling in other parts of the world have various ways to watch the red carpet, awards presentations and acceptance speeches.
    Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
  • While Bondi also released the full flight logs of everyone who traveled to Epstein's island on his private plane, there is no indication of any wrongdoing on the part of those who went there.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • His jump into a world tour comes as no surprise — Seavey has been anxious to hit the road.
    Kristen Wisneski, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drive. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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