drive 1 of 2

verb

ˈdrīv How to pronounce drive (audio)
Definition of drivenext
1
as in to run
to urge, push, or force onward cowboys drove the herd of cattle from San Antonio to San Francisco

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to motor
to travel by a motorized vehicle I'm going to drive across the country—want to come?

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3
as in to push
to apply force to (someone or something) so that it moves in front of one drove the plunger into the opening

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4
as in to force
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure the corrupt governor was driven out of office

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to activate
to cause to function machinery driven by waterpower

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6
as in to move
to set or keep in motion this motor drives the gears, which then turn the shaft

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7
as in to travel
to proceed or move quickly the runner drove past the finish line and then came to a dead stop

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

drive

2 of 2

noun

1
as in road
a passage cleared for public vehicular travel raced our motorcycles along the drive

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2
as in campaign
a series of activities undertaken to achieve a goal a fund-raising drive for the school's marching band

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3
as in desire
a strong wish for something a drive to succeed in the television news business

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in energy
active strength of body or mind senior citizens who exercise regularly are more likely to have the drive to keep up with their grandchildren

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5
as in ambition
readiness to engage in daring or difficult activity a great opportunity for a sales representative who is full of drive

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb drive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of drive are actuate, impel, and move. While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.

a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

When might actuate be a better fit than drive?

The words actuate and drive can be used in similar contexts, but actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion.

turbines actuated by waterpower

When would impel be a good substitute for drive?

While the synonyms impel and drive are close in meaning, impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.

a candidate impelled by ambition

When could move be used to replace drive?

In some situations, the words move and drive are roughly equivalent. However, 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 drive
Verb
The initial concern driving the passage of Pueblo’s ban was syringe litter, but our study suggests that restrictions on harm reduction services may have significant unintended consequences that hinder community public health efforts. — Paul Christine, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 Herold recently drove Clements and some other friends back to his home state of Iowa to check out a summertime rodeo event in Sidney, located just a few miles from Shenandoah. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
Shortoff Mountain is about a 95-mile drive northwest from uptown Charlotte. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026 The location is approximately a 35-minute drive southeast of downtown Kansas City. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drive
  1. run
  2. motor
  3. push
  4. force
  5. activate
  6. move
  7. travel
  8. road
Verb
  • Stone ran for three touchdowns, including an 85-yarder late in the first half.
    — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Sebold’s was the third such attack in Thornden Park, which runs alongside the campus, in about seven months.
    — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of run
Verb
  • On Friday, Thomas motored his way around a double-team and sacked Seattle QB Jalen Milroe, forcing a fumble that the Seahawks recovered.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Owen Caissie was hit by a pitch and motored to third on Mack’s single.
    — August 15, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of motor
Verb
  • Adebo could still push Banks, while Phillips has secured the slot job.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • That more than doubled its stock, pushing its market cap above $9 billion, adding to the bottom line of Thrive and Kushner, who is vice chairman and has personal holdings.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of push
Verb
  • As more cars wrecked behind the incident, NASCAR was forced to throw the caution flag — freezing the field with Preece in front.
    — Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Sometimes, operators were forced to drain one pond and divert its water to save fish in another, the Hungarian Aquaculture and Fisheries Inter-branch Organization said in early August.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of force
Verb
  • Several other brands have activated during high-stakes competitions and inked their own collaborations that tap into the convergence of beauty and sports this year.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Ars Video When activated, Motion Assist adds small dots around the edges of your phone screen over top of the content.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of activate
Verb
  • The Moon in Pisces moves through your 6th House of Work, Health, and Daily Routines while making an awkward angle to Venus in Libra and your 1st House of Self.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Acceptance moves you out of frustration and into a place of proactivity.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of move
Verb
  • Against all odds, Nene takes the road less traveled and apologizes.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • From a design-forward city escape to an eco-friendly island retreat (and a uniquely historic getaway coming soon), discover what Patina can offer globe-trotters interested in a transformative way of traveling through life and through the world.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of travel
Noun
  • Authorities on Wednesday pre-emptively announced that roads leading to the port would be closed to non-emergency vehicles for seven days, according to state media.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Under the new collective bargaining agreement, each NHL team must sign a permanent emergency backup who will be at every home game and travel with the team to all road games (like a bullpen catcher in Major League Baseball).
    — Michael Russo, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of road

Browse Nearby Words

drips
drive
drive (away or off)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on drive

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about drive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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