1
2
3
as in pushes
to apply force to (someone or something) so that it moves in front of one
drove the plunger into the opening
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in compels
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 activates
to cause to function
machinery driven by waterpower
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in moves
to set or keep in motion
this motor drives the gears, which then turn the shaft
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in speeds
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
1
as in highways
a passage cleared for public vehicular travel
raced our motorcycles along the drive
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2
as in campaigns
a series of activities undertaken to achieve a goal
a fund-raising drive for the school's marching band
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of drives
Su-Jit Lin, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026
Higher demand for MBSs drives bond prices up.
—Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026
Their ambition for recognition drives them to unforeseen consequences.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026
The study went on to also find decarbonization plans in New England, especially policies forcing the electrification of the transportation and home heating sectors, would significantly increase the peak demand of the New England electric grid, which in turn, drives up costs.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
AdaptAI, launched in mid-2025, provides customers with personalized payment options, which the company said drives greater engagement.
—Itzel Franco, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026
In reality, climate change amplifies both extremes, making wet seasons wetter and hot seasons hotter, and drives more intense, frequent, and unpredictable weather events.
—Chaewon Chung
updated January 14, Sacbee.com, 14 Jan. 2026
Leaders who establish sustainable systems — covering time, health, finances, and values — create stability that drives professional results while preserving space for personal priorities and long-term well-being.
—Karen Hinds, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2026
The shortage puts pressure on buyers to snap up homes quickly, which drives up prices.
—Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
Inside, there’s a plush bed, a cushioned chair, and an open wardrobe stocked with robes—essential for cooling down during the oppressive afternoon heat between game drives.
—Nicholas Derenzo, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026
Six of his 12 game-winning drives came this season.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
The game never reached its offensive slugfest potential after the teams traded touchdowns on their opening drives.
—Dan Gelston, Twin Cities, 12 Jan. 2026
Two drives later, Carter’s second-down sack was negated when Blankenship was flagged for defensive holding.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Overall, the Canes’ four drives of 13 plays or more were the most ever in an CFP game.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Jackson Hole, Wyoming Home to Grand Tetons National Park, Jackson Hole is one of the country's most popular family vacation destinations for its staggering natural beauty and varied opportunities for outdoor pursuits like hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
—Josh Roberts, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Availability of housing for sale drives transactions, prices and time on market metrics more than interest rate improvements.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
The exhilaration of constant research and development is part of what drives this culinary team.
—Noun
In a milestone affecting one of the most scenic drives in the United States, Caltrans crews have finished clearing a massive landslide blocking Highway 1 in Big Sur.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for drives
Verb
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The third round of official future wagering on the May 2 Derby runs today through Sunday.—
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Reviewers find this style runs big and suggest sizing down for a more snug fit.—
Verb
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Kenya licensed 42 new digital lenders, raising the country’s total number to 195, as the central bank pushes to formalize a sector that has become an important part of East Africa’s largest economy.—
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The financial asset label pushes prediction markets toward the exclusive jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a federal agency, and grants immunity from state gambling laws and taxes on gross betting revenue.—
Verb
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One of the most powerful yet underappreciated forces in these dynamics is social identity, the psychological force that compels people to sort themselves into groups and take those group boundaries seriously.—
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One scene involves Varang poisoning Quaritch with a mysterious hallucinatory drug that compels him to tell the truth about his motivations.—
Verb
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Your 2nd House of Resources activates as the life-giving Sun conjoins combative Mars, motivating you to polish your skills, then price your improved work fairly.—
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Stomach acid activates digestive enzymes, which help break down food.—
Verb
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One slightly wrong rate in a budget, procurement forecast, or loan estimate easily moves millions of dollars in the wrong direction.—
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The Honda moves forward, turning to the right.—
Verb
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After the shooting, the SUV speeds into two cars parked on a curb before crashing to a stop.—
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This slows down the release of ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening.—
Noun
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Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
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Most automakers limit self-driving features in personal vehicles to highways, where traffic patterns are more predictable.—
Noun
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Singh urged jurors to view the protest within a broader historical context, comparing it to anti-apartheid divestment campaigns targeting South Africa.—
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Several lawmakers are also seeking higher office this year and will want time to focus on their campaigns.—
Cite this Entry
“Drives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drives. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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