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Definition of movenext
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move

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb move differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of move are actuate, drive, and impel. While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position.

moved the furniture

In what contexts can actuate take the place of move?

The words actuate and move 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 might drive be a better fit than move?

While in some cases nearly identical to move, drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.

a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

Where would impel be a reasonable alternative to move?

The synonyms impel and move are sometimes interchangeable, but impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.

a candidate impelled by ambition

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 move
Verb
As Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy moved fluidly through a chopper at the edge of Camelback Ranch’s infield grass and made a running throw to first, his offseason work started to snap into place. Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Conjunctions involving Uranus tend to occur a couple of times each year, typically as one of the fast-moving, closer planets — such as Venus and Mars — appear next to it. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 3 July 2026
Noun
Rousson stressed that the move does not signal an expansion into the beauty trade fair business. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 2 July 2026 Still, there were optimistic people in and around the organization because these moves were carefully made with Luka Dončić in mind. Dan Woike, New York Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • They can also be used to keep the satellite in orbit over the years, or potentially relocate the satellite later down the line.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
  • However, Archie has remained largely out of the public eye since Meghan and Harry stepped back from their royal roles in 2020 and relocated to California.
    Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • The abnormal heat has been driven by the onset of El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by unusually warm waters along the equatorial tropical Pacific Ocean.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Congestion is difficult to predict, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, when driving behavior shifted and peak traffic hours spread out instead of sticking to the more uniform 9-to-5 workday.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The border shifted and changed hands here at least four times in the 19th century and a fifth time in the 20th, tugged south by war and treaty, peace talks and purchases.
    Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • While shows like these still exist (Dora even got a modern reboot) Gen Alpha has shifted their viewing habits almost entirely online.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Asthma affects 8% of Americans, and is even the cause of 9 to 11 deaths each day, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
    Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Visibility lessened as the Cardinals tacked on a third-inning insurance run and, by the sixth inning, clearly began to affect play.
    Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Valentine also testified that the FDA encourages infant formula companies to send in all adverse event reports and that nothing prevented Mead Johnson from doing so.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Going forward, the city will encourage data center developers to submit an application for a special use district, meaning the site would specifically be used for a data center, nothing else.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Since Mary Grace’s death, her parents have poured their energy into persuading lawmakers to make camps safer by banning cabins in active flood plains, mandating 24-7 weather monitoring and requiring rigorous annual evacuation training.
    Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
  • Marketing and communications professionals rely on language to inform, persuade and connect with audiences.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 June 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
  • Multiple male suspects exited a white truck, Chicago police said, citing preliminary information.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • Japan gave Brazil a scare, taking the lead in the round of 32 match between the teams before conceding a last-gasp goal to exit the tournament.
    Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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