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

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of impel

His experience impelled him to join an informal yet determined community of researchers, doctors, and patients pushing for extra studies to help patients and doctors find the right dosage for an array of cancer drugs. — CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Sometimes the ideological passions that impelled a work into existence dissolve over time, leaving behind something that can be appreciated as art. — Vivian Yee, New York Times, 20 June 2026

That emotional closeness was one of the driving forces that impelled me to bring this project to the screen in an exercise of deep respect for a complex memory that does not lend itself to simplification. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 19 June 2026

Parallel with that, city enforcement is essential to holding accountable the app companies dispatching the 65,000-plus e-bike delivery workers within timeframes that impel the breaking of traffic laws. — Michael Miller, New York Daily News, 22 May 2026