1
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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2
as in to move
to set or keep in motion
the aircraft is propelled by a pair of turboprop engines
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of propel
When the spider releases the pressure, the legs snap forward, propelling the spider into the air with great force.
—
New Atlas, 5 Apr. 2025
The play, adapted by Duncan Macmillan and Ostermeier, is propelled by blasts of oomph.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
Still remaining true to its origins, the company is propelled by technological advancements in the sportswear arena, but also cementing its place in the books with important athletic sponsorships and fashion-forward designs, including culturally relevant collaborations.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
Someone has to propel the Cardinals out of last year’s cellar.
—Johnny Flores Jr., New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propel
New Atlas, 5 Apr. 2025
The play, adapted by Duncan Macmillan and Ostermeier, is propelled by blasts of oomph.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
Still remaining true to its origins, the company is propelled by technological advancements in the sportswear arena, but also cementing its place in the books with important athletic sponsorships and fashion-forward designs, including culturally relevant collaborations.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
Someone has to propel the Cardinals out of last year’s cellar.
—Johnny Flores Jr., New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propel
Verb
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Are Puerto Rican filmmakers pushing for this to change?—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2025
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The veteran pushed through, however — and for a second straight campaign.—
Jesse Newell,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The company intended to move the drug into late-stage testing, which is generally the last phase of development before a company submits the potential treatment to government regulators for approval.—
Time,
Time,
15 Apr. 2025
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The bill also included moving $1.1 million from the Constitutional Defense Fund into the Legislative Legal Defense Fund.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
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When his son stepped in between Balmer and his wife, Balmer allegedly shoved his son out of the way and then punched his wife with a closed fist.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Cody then admitted to shoving his son and that a fight ensued between all parties.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The publication of children’s magazine content on science may have driven some of this research.—
H.M.A. Leow,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Mar. 2025
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It’s built strong enough to drive a car across, Duplechan said, not to mention hold a dance party.—
David Caraccio,
Sacramento Bee,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Suddenly, Fort Myers was thrust into the national spotlight as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration waited for officials to make their next move, threatening the loss of state and federal funds.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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In the daffodil spears thrusting up through dead leaves, each stalk swells with the pulse of a blossom-to-be.—
Rosanna Warren,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Troopers located the Tesla and allegedly observed the vehicle traveling in the center lane at approximately 30 mph with its four-way hazard lights activated.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
18 Apr. 2025
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Mars and Pluto activate your Leo-Aquarius axis on April 26, stirring questions about career, leadership, and emotional safety.—
Colin Bedell,
Them.,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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There simply was not an apparent burning platform to compel leadership to alter course—or to impel stakeholders to align on a new vision for the future.—
Paul Laudicina,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Creating Equitable Opportunities For Learners Everywhere The intersection of technology and education is one of the most compelling areas to impel social and economic development.—
Haroldo Jacobovicz,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Propel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propel. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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