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

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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
Ignoring this crisis will drive higher costs elsewhere and hurt the state’s economy. Monica Montgomery Steppe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026 Drivers can get even more range out of a full tank on long highway drives thanks to its superb fuel economy. Charles Singh, USA Today, 18 May 2026
Noun
Mars, planet of drive, enters Taurus—where it is actually weakened—on May 18 and remains there until June 28. Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026 In the 1960’s and 1970’s, Tolley would accompany her mom on the drive from Lynchburg to Nashville for a day of shopping. Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for drive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drive
Verb
  • Made from a breathable, sweat-wicking fabric, these versatile pants are perfect for light activities like long walks, warm-ups, running errands, and busy travel days.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • Lollipops in every shape and size, run like fence posts throughout the tables.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • Mullins, Walls, Jonny DeLuca, Ben Williamson and, of course, Chandler Simpson, can motor.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • Over the Moon motored from Homewood Marina, a docking facility on the lake’s west shore below the ski hill of the same name, cruising south across a then calm lake to picturesque Emerald Bay.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • As criticism over competitive disparities intensified following the meet, pro-trans activists pushed back with the familiar argument that inclusion matters more than results, while opponents argued female athletes lose opportunities in the process.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • Williams happened to be passing by as the young dancer was pushing her car down the highway with a friend, and Williams along with his manager stopped to help and was quickly charmed.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The economic loss could rise to as much as 100 trillion won if chip production disruptions force Samsung to scrap semiconductor wafers already in production.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • The fire destroyed two structures — a cabin and an equipment shed — and forced the evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees, who were rescued by a Santa Barbara County Fire Department helicopter.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
  • That foundation meant that when the mainstream moment arrived, there was already a real community ready to activate and amplify it.
    Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • The campaign now moves forward with voters weighing sharply different visions for California’s future as the primary draws closer.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • The Raiders had their worst season since moving to Las Vegas last year.
    Sam Warren, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Sofa waves travel at the speed of sound.
    Weike Wang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • Following that road—with as much patience as your faith allows—does.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • The backstory There's not a single traffic light on the island, only one school for kindergarten through 12th grade, and 30 miles of paved roads—many lined with towering Cook Pine trees (resembling tall Christmas trees).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drive. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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