EN

Synonyms for move

Most common

shift relocate transfer change go proceed get moving turn

Synonyms by meaning

Verb

1. Shift — to change place or posture; to go, in any manner, from one place or position to another

shift, relocate, transfer, change, transport, disturb, convey, carry dated

3. Get moving — to act; to take action; to begin to act

get moving, put in motion, get, take action

4. Turn — to incite, urge (someone to do something); to solicit (someone for or of an issue); to make a proposal to

turn, incite, actuate, budge, push, agitate, impel, induce, make, stir, pass, prompt, propose, instigate, rouse, suggest, stir up, give, motivate, provoke, influence, drive

Noun

1. Motion

motion, movement, maneuver US, manoeuvre UK

2. Relocation — the event of changing one's residence

relocation, removal

Other

play, march

Definitions

  1. v. 1

    To change place or posture; to go, in any manner, from one place or position to another.

    I was sitting on the sofa for a long time, feeling too lazy to move.

  2. v. 2

    To act; to take action; to begin to act

    Come on guys, let's move: there's work to do!

  3. n. 1

    The event of changing one's residence.

    They were pleased about their move to the country.

  4. n. 2

    The act of moving; a movement.

    A slight move of the tiller, and the boat will go off course.

Forms

Plural
moves → motions, movements, maneuvers, relocations…
Past participle
moved
e.g. moved → shifted, relocated, transferred, changed…

Choose the right word

or Move?

Move is used chiefly of contests or competition, as in chess or politics; as, it is your move; a shrewd move of the opposition.

J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)

Example sentences

  • change You should change your job if the occasion arises.
  • transfer I haven't got any money on me, but I can transfer.
  • relocate Algeria will relocate its capital to Boughezoul.
  • start As soon as it gets dark, the fireworks will start.
  • proceed Shall we proceed to the throne room, Your Majesty?

Popularity over time

Word1850 → 2019Trend
moverising
changesteady
transferfalling
relocaterising
startrising
proceedfalling

Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.

By length

2 letters
go1
3 letters
get1, run1
4 letters
make1, work1, give1, play1, live1, turn1, pass1, push1, stir1, sway1
5 letters
start1, march1, drive1, carry2, shift1, budge1, rouse1, impel2
6 letters
change1, travel2, remove2, affect2, motion2, prompt1, convey2, induce2, propel2, incite2
7 letters
suggest2, removal3, proceed2, propose2, impress2, disturb2, provoke2, migrate2, agitate3, actuate3
8 letters
movement2, progress2, transfer2, persuade2, motivate3, maneuver3, relocate3, displace2
9 letters
influence3, transport2, manoeuvre, instigate3
10 letters
relocation4

The small number after each word is its number of syllables (carry2 = 2 syllables).

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