PROPEL Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

propel

verb

prə-ˈpel

Definition of propel

as in to push

to apply force to (someone or something) so that it moves in front of one playfully he propelled his rambunctious friend into the swimming pool to cool off

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to drive

to set or keep in motion the aircraft is propelled by a pair of turboprop engines

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 propel Palma is best explored on foot, discovering its boutiques and historic businesses on your own time, propelled by coffee and ensaïmada filled with whatever seasonal preserve is on offer. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 Explore See latest videos, charts and news For Strickland, his indomitable work ethic helped propel him to becoming the first Black AEW World Champion. — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2026 Those victories prompted a rule change requiring that songs propel the narrative rather than appear as standalone performances. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026 With a new Swiss manufacture in the works and Vanguart’s first decade on the horizon, there is a definite sense that the house is tapping into an irresistible horological energy, propelled forward by a passionate customer base. — Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for propel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for propel

Verb

Rather than chasing fancy titles or splashy paychecks throughout her career, she’s gravitated toward jobs that pushed her out of her comfort zone, forced her to take risks, and taught her to embrace a little chaos.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Meta Platforms, which is pushing its Muse AI agent, lost 7% after reporting stronger revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected, though its profit fell short.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of push

Verb

Pratt, a 22-year-old rookie whose go-ahead hit sparked the Brewers to a 5-4 win in Game 2, drove a slider into the left-field seats against Seymour.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
In recent years, General Motors has consistently sought to demonstrate that its investments in autonomous driving systems and software services can yield high margin revenue and open new growth frontiers.

— , CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of drive

Verb

But hiding appliances isn’t quite as simple as shoving them into a cabinet and calling it a day.

— Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026
Houston's Tari Eason was ejected with about three minutes left in the first quarter after receiving a flagrant foul 2 for shoving Washington to the court.

— CBS News, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of shove

Verb

The next president may well also have more power to purchase equity stakes; legislation moving through the Senate would give the Pentagon explicit legal authority to do so.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is moving forward with a $4 million investment to run an ad featuring Democrat Amy Acton’s estranged mother after the video received fierce backlash.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of move

Verb

Ohio Ohio's governor's race was thrust into the national spotlight this week after Republican Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign released an ad featuring the estranged mother of his Democrat opponent Amy Acton.

— Chantelle Lee, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Russell adds a 30 Rock–esque backstage frame in which an assistant stage manager (Twiggy, looking divine) is thrust into the spotlight when the star of her regional playhouse’s production of The Boy Friend is nowhere to be found.

— Juan A. Ramírez, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2026