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Definition of movingnext

moving

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verb

present participle of move
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word moving distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of moving are affecting, impressive, pathetic, poignant, and touching. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

How do affecting and moving relate to one another?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

In what contexts can impressive take the place of moving?

While in some cases nearly identical to moving, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

When can pathetic be used instead of moving?

The meanings of pathetic and moving largely overlap; however, pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

When could poignant be used to replace moving?

The words poignant and moving are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

When would touching be a good substitute for moving?

In some situations, the words touching and moving are roughly equivalent. However, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

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 moving
Adjective
And despite their time on stage being cut short, EJAE’s speech was one of the night’s most moving. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 16 Mar. 2026 Among the more moving cases that Blair describes are those of people who in life were vulnerable and powerless but in death were considered formidable threats. Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
Store owners were up against rising costs, unpredictable foot traffic and new competition from online resale giants and big retailers moving into secondhand. Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 May 2026 Adjust your approach and keep moving. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for moving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moving
Adjective
  • Stronger communities are built when mental-health services move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches and recognize the emotional, social, cultural and practical realities people face every day.
    Maria Bledsoe, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026
  • Mercury enters Gemini in your 4th House of Home, bringing attention to family logistics, living space, and the emotional weather behind closed doors.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Mallory Brooks, a photographer, moved into one of the units 10 years ago after relocating from Florida.
    Stacker, Boston Herald, 18 May 2026
  • Once a popular destination for workers and businesses relocating, the region is now experiencing domestic outmigration.
    Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • The critical shipping passage has been a key point of the war, driving up gas prices.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 17 May 2026
  • Schauffele ranks in the tournament’s top five in both putting and driving, and has hit 28 of 42 fairways this week.
    Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • The debate comes after weeks of tense exchanges and shifting poll numbers.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • Growing challenges to diverse slates Amid shifting political winds, the proliferation of diverse slate policies quickly generated backlash.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The broader macro environment is also affecting consumer choices.
    , CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • Some of the day’s most affecting moments came from first-time nominees still processing how quickly their lives have changed.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • On May 18, Venus will conclude its journey through the flirtatious and thought-provoking sign of Gemini and enter the sentimental and hopeless romantic sign of Cancer.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
  • The neighborhood’s creative spirit shines at Cam Raleigh, a dynamic contemporary art space with thought-provoking works rooted in community and regional narratives.
    Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Influencers have become a routine part of persuading voters in local, state and national races as legacy media’s reach has waned, though there are few laws on the books regulating them.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
  • Trump wants Xi’s help persuading Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz and come back to the bargaining table.
    Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Coach Natalie Nakase said this week that activating the Australian point guard will be a game-time decision.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
  • The princess has done an amazing job at activating people's minds about the value and importance of this.
    Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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