PROPELLING Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

propelling

verb

present participle of propel

as in pushing

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 driving

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 propelling Prosecutors argued that the building caught on fire, triggering a massive explosion and propelling canisters in the air, one of which fatally struck Salter in the head. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 That’s appreciable, and propelling this Winter’s Tale’s legibility is a cast full of undeniably excellent actors. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026 While aiding her in the street, Lamelas, driving a gold Ford Expedition, struck Gamez, propelling him into the air. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026 In reality, a doting manager or eagle-eyed boss won’t be the ones propelling their careers. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 The 305 put the pressure on Boston late, with Beasley propelling a 18-9 run as Amerant Bank Arena came to life, but Miami couldn’t capitalize and fell 50-47. — Ava Dicecca, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 The noirish mystery propelling the narrative isn’t even really the point. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 Ionescu scored 14 points in the first quarter, propelling the visitors to a 36-30 lead. — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Over the course of six weeks, fan favorites Bryce Alakai and Trinity Tatum evolved from friends to lovers, propelling their connection above the rest. — Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for propelling

Verb

The state last week filed documents pushing back on Murdaugh’s request to send DNA found under Maggie’s fingernails to an independent laboratory for more advanced testing.

— Devon M. Sayers, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
As thousands of car enthusiasts prepare to descend on Metro Detroit for the annual Woodward Dream Cruise, a Michigan lawmaker is pushing legislation to crack down on excessively loud vehicles.

— Terell Bailey, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of pushing

Verb

Iran’s economy was in a dire state before the war too, with poor economic conditions a key driving factor behind the anti-regime demonstrations which kicked off in the Iranian capital city Tehran in 2025.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
The economy is driving young Americans' enlistments, according to Pentagon data.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of driving

Verb

The pair quickly started shoving each other, both of them getting in a couple punches, before security stopped the fight and separated the prisoners.

— Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
While the officials showed little interest in restoring order, Cunningham responded by shoving Sheldon onto the hardwood.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of shoving

Verb

The first is, as mentioned, moving up to the A19 Pro from the A18 Pro; the annual cadence for the chipsets will carry over Neo's annual cadence to the MacBook .

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
The Washington Nationals are moving CJ Abrams to second base in the coming days.

— Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of moving

Verb

That left the contest mainly between Crowley and Hong, thrusting the race even more into the national spotlight.

— Caroline Linton, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Malawi upset Nigeria with a 3-2 victory in their first WAFCON match on July 28, thrusting the Super Falcons in a nervy third-place position in their group following Zambia’s 6-0 victory over Egypt the same day.

— Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of thrusting

Verb

Mercury conjoins Jupiter in Leo and your 3rd House of Communication, activating texts, calls, emails, errands, siblings, neighbors, and local connections.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Gonzalez pushed back on the explanation, warning Calvo that activating the emergency lights could have criminal consequences.

— Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of activating

Browse Nearby Words

propelled

propelling

propels

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“Propelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propelling. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of propelling

verb

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