drive 1 of 2

Definition of drivenext
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

Relevance
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

4
5
6
7

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

3
4
5

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
Go wine tasting right in town, or do your research and drive the Nevada County foothill roads to a few local wineries with pretty tasting rooms. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026 If modern vehicles are so reliant on software for everything from displaying driving speeds to braking in some models, free OTA software updates could save drivers the hassle of bringing their cars into an authorized dealer for repairs. Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Noun
The 60,000-square-foot site, just off the Northgate Boulevard exit of Interstate 80, will offer sales, test drives, service and delivery, a Rivian spokesperson said in an email. Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026 On warm days, an insulated shopping bag or cooler can help preserve meats, dairy products, and other perishables during the drive home. Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for drive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drive
Verb
  • Villaraigosa, who led the city from 2005-13 and recently ran for governor, argued that this is not the right time to make even that change.
    Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Between there, and running upstairs to supervise fittings of his monumentally sculptural work with his stylist Tallulah Harlech, the designer caught a rare moment to sit and talk.
    Sarah Mower, Vogue, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Mora picked the ball up on halfway and just kept on motoring forward, moving towards two runners on the right, eventually nudging the ball through for Jorge Sanchez, who bundled the ball across for Quinones to finish.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 26 June 2026
  • In the fifth, Harper lined a ball into the gap in left-center field and motored around to third base for a two-run triple.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • That lawsuit, in part, accuses City Attorney Miko Brown of pushing airport officials to investigate a charter airline's safety record -- not because of genuine safety concerns, but to create legal cover for a city council vote that put $90 million in federal grant money at risk.
    Brian Maass, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • Regulatory scrutiny is also pushing the conversation.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Extreme heat has forced several communities in the Washington area to cancel or scale back their Independence Day celebrations.
    Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • The Kings forced 20 turnovers, leading to a 22-6 advantage in points off turnovers.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2026
  • Scent activates pathways that trigger emotional and memory responses.
    Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • To keep up with the fast-moving aerial acts, the app features an adjustable countdown timer set to the official schedule.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
  • If anyone shows signs of heat illness, promptly move them to a cool, shaded area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • The suspect, an adult male, wore all black and traveled on a scooter.
    Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
  • For those unable to attend games at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium, the free-to-enter festival offers local and traveling spectators a place to gather during the World Cup.
    Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Go wine tasting right in town, or do your research and drive the Nevada County foothill roads to a few local wineries with pretty tasting rooms.
    Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026
  • Entire buildings and roads were submerged in Accra on Monday, cutting off access to several areas of the Ghanian capital and in the neighboring city of Tema.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on drive

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster