1
as in driving
to set or keep in motion
gasoline impels a car's engine
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in forcing
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
I felt impelled to tell the truth, however painful it might be
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in compelling
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impelling
Verb
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So what’s driving the need for these changes?—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025 -
By forcing his posts to the top of feeds, elevating like-minded voices, and driving critics off the platform, Musk revealed the raw power of ownership.—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories In his statement, Lawn went on to reaffirm the company’s commitment to safety.—
Maria Pasquini,
People.com,
25 July 2025
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Whether through cultural celebration or a tribute to urban sports culture, the July drops reflect Tier’s evolving mission: to create pieces that are both visually compelling and grounded in meaning.—
Essence,
Essence,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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This emphasis on women’s bodies and behaviors is especially conspicuous amid a broader cultural preoccupation with male virility.—
Lucy Tu,
The Atlantic,
11 July 2025
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Even more conspicuous is the level of ostentatious wealth fundamental to the supercar industry’s survival, since the cars sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
Verb
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The existing podium of the nearby Palace of Youth has been extended to merge with the theater’s base, further enhancing connectivity and activating the area as a vibrant public space.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Using optogenetics, a technique that enables scientists to manipulate neural activity with light-sensitive proteins, the researchers found that activating oxytocin-responsive neurons encouraged rescue behavior even among unfamiliar mice.—
Discover Magazine,
Discover Magazine,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Pressuring or coercing someone into ending their life would be punishable by up to 14 years in prison.—
Alistair Smout,
USA TODAY,
29 Nov. 2024
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That same sentence will remain for anyone found guilty of tricking, pressuring or coercing someone into making the choice if the bill is ultimately passed.—
David Hodari,
NBC News,
29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The sweater in question bears a striking resemblance to the kind Bill Cosby became famous for wearing.—
Mychal Denzel Smith,
Time,
22 July 2025
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The characters share striking similarities to Byron and Cabot, down to their clothes.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
22 July 2025
Verb
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Yet the gold trade is booming, enriching generals and propelling the fight.—
Saif Hasnat Atul Loke,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2024
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And some happen later, propelling teams to a postseason run.—
Colton Pouncy,
The Athletic,
16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Some people find that getting a tan makes their acne less noticeable, but these effects are temporary.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
15 July 2025
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While Skai did point out noticeable shedding in the front of her hair, her overall appearance looks healthy.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
14 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Impelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impelling. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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