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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

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
In the special, shot at the Den Theatre in Chicago, Elia explores the deeply personal and hilarious experience of moving back in with his Iraqi-Assyrian parents after his fiancée (now wife) was accepted into an oral surgery residency in his hometown of Detroit. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026 Requests to transfer money, purchase gift cards, or move funds to keep your accounts safe are not part of any SSA process. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
OpenAI closed its latest funding round at an $852 billion valuation; the record-breaking sum represents moves before a potential IPO, but also the incredible size of private markets. Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 1 Apr. 2026 It’s been quite the ride already, with multiple moves, job changes, and a growing family in a matter of years. Christina Frazier, Health, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for move
Recent Examples of Synonyms for move
Verb
  • This film is about the government ordering the elderly to relocate to distant housing colonies to maximize economic productivity.
    Adam Bell April 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The restructuring will also relocate about 260 positions to Utah and establish 15 state directors.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The decision to inaugurate the first urban Six Senses property in Rome was partially driven by the owner’s love of all things Italian and is part of a new drive to bring sanctuaries to bigger cities.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And in late February, just as attention began to shift away from Gaza, Israel and the United States launched a joint attack on Iran—a potentially epochal war that may end up dividing Jewish Americans no less than the Gaza war did, particularly if the conflict drags on and casualties mount.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Yainer Diaz softly grounded a first-pitch fastball, but toward an opening in the Angels’ shifted infield for a two-run single.
    Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The proportion of rye to wheat flour can also vary widely, affecting both texture and nutrient content.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Spinosad, although organically certified, can be toxic to bees, and pyrethrins—derived from plants—can affect a wide range of insects.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And there were a number of terrorist organizations that sought to encourage the British to leave, thus creating a united Ireland.
    Colm Tóibín, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Teammates encouraged her and one even lifted her chin, but the damage was done.
    David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Whale lusts after a hunky gardener (Brendan Fraser) and persuades him to pose for a few sketches; Julian, though bisexual, expresses no such interest in Lori, and any art-making turns out to be a gratifyingly mutual endeavor.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Gerhardt Konig hoped Thursday to persuade a Hawaiian jury that hitting his wife repeatedly with a rock was self-defense.
    April 2, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The lefty underwent an elbow cleanup procedure at the start of the offseason; the Yankees hope to activate him sometime in April.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Like a grill, when activated by an operator, the drone stations open a lid.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Saks Global is one step closer to exiting bankruptcy.
    Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Main Street owned roughly 15 channels, but at one point aired 30 MLB, NHL and NBA teams after exiting bankruptcy.
    Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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