Synonyms of impel

impel

verb

im-ˈpel 

1

as in to drive

to set or keep in motion

gasoline impels a car's engine

Synonyms & Similar Words

• drive
• move
• activate
• propel
• actuate
• stimulate
• work
• motivate
• provoke
• trigger
• incite
• raise
• abet
• foment
• inspire
• excite
• arouse
• rouse
• stir (up)
• galvanize
• ferment
• whip (up)
• set off
• instigate
• inflame
• fire (up)
• trip
• enflame

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restrain
• regulate
• contain
• inhibit
• constrain
• control
• check
• curb
• rein (in)
• bridle

2

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

• compel
• force
• coerce
• obligate
• oblige
• drive
• constrain
• pressure
• impress
• intimidate
• make
• muscle
• blackmail
• press
• dragoon
• bully
• sandbag
• threaten
• blackjack
• browbeat
• twist one's arm
• bulldoze
• terrorize
• hector
• drag
• cow
• menace
• shame
• harass
• high-pressure
• badger
• hound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• let
• allow
• permit
• induce
• move
• convince
• satisfy
• argue
• persuade
• talk (into)
• win (over)
• prevail (on or upon)

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

Examples of impel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

China’s growing economic and political reach has impelled Australia, India, Japan, and the United States to try to gain influence in the countries not yet tightly aligned with either bloc. —Paul Staniland, Foreign Affairs, 2 May 2024

North’s three diamonds was forcing and impelled his side into game. —Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024

After all, the pianist upstairs impelled her to write a poem—and nearly a decade later, the poem impels me to write this. —Erica Funkhouser, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2024

Gazing out the window of his flat at nearby train tracks, he is impelled to hunt for his past in person, taking the train to his boyhood home, in Sanderstead, a suburb of London. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2024