IMPEL Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'impel' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of impel are actuate , drive , and move . While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus. // a candidate impelled by ambition

Q: When is it sensible to use 'actuate' instead of 'impel'?

The synonyms actuate and impel are sometimes interchangeable, but actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion. // turbines actuated by waterpower

Q: When is 'drive' a more appropriate choice than 'impel'?

Although the words drive and impel have much in common, drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus. // a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

Q: When would 'move' be a good substitute for 'impel'?

The words move and impel can be used in similar contexts, but move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position. // moved the furniture

impel

verb

im-ˈpel

Definition of impel

as in to drive

to set or keep in motion gasoline impels a car's engine

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to compel

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb impel differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of impel are actuate, drive, and move. While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.

a candidate impelled by ambition

When is it sensible to use actuate instead of impel?

The synonyms actuate and impel are sometimes interchangeable, but actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion.

turbines actuated by waterpower

When is drive a more appropriate choice than impel?

Although the words drive and impel have much in common, drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.

a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

When would move be a good substitute for impel?

The words move and impel can be used in similar contexts, but move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position.

moved the furniture

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 impel But Operation Epic Fury should also impel legislators to think about future ways to place presidential war powers back within the limits of a deliberative, constitutional republic. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026 Early to mid-March could impel you to make a move that wouldn’t improve matters at all, don’t let a negative mindset drive actions. — Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026 Early to mid-March could impel you to make a move that wouldn’t improve matters at all, so don’t let a negative mindset drive actions. — Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026 Both were impelled to launch ninth-inning pushes to persuade Oscar voters that Shakespeare wasn’t really in love and Private Ryan needed serious saving. — Peter Bart, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impel

Verb

The project, which is expected to take two years, has brought construction noise, dust and the loss of nearby parking spaces, all of which merchants say have driven customers away.

— Maddie White, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
This heat drives the park’s geysers and hot springs while producing frequent earthquakes and gradual changes in the ground.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of drive

Verb

Ultimately, if the state steps in with loans, the district would be compelled to cede day-to-day management to an outside caretaker, reducing the district’s board and administration to bystanders.

— Dan Walters, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
For her sophomore film, de Araújo remains compelled to tell unnerving stories that are ripped from real-life events.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of compel

Verb

Frequent population movements linked to mining and people fleeing armed conflict add another complication, as people can move before surveillance teams are able to follow up with them.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
The researchers also want to move beyond bulk pyrite crystals and produce thin films, which are more directly relevant to electronic and energy devices.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of move

Verb

Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, was forced to roll out a second artificial surface after the World Cup because its first attempt didn’t pass an independent lab test as required by the NFL and NFLPA.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
The champion faced a challenging opponent, as Garry forced him to work hard for seven takedowns and inflicted some facial damage.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of force

Verb

Compliant Technologies says the devices function as a normal pair of patrol gloves until officers press a switch to activate their electrical mode.

— CBS News, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
The attacker on the other side of the keyboard would likely be able to activate the mechanisms in the credential management app to log in to a site or download all the passwords.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of activate

Verb

Entering Saturday with two wins in its past 15 MLS games, Varas said winning at LAFC is the kind of result that can propel his group through the second half of the season.

— Josh Gross, Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
These toy rockets can be propelled into the air by a simple stomp onto a launcher, hence the name.

— Grace Dean, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of propel

Verb

Officials responded by stating that homeowners can use a city website to prove the property is a primary residence, and that letters were sent to taxpayers who may be obligated to pay the pied-à-terre.

— Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Every ship is obligated to respond to a distress call under maritime law unless doing so would put their own ship at risk.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of obligate

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“Impel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impel. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of impel

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