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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Push” — 12 Other Ways to Say It

To use your hand or body to move something or someone away from you.

IPA: /pʊʃ/Level: A1Register: neutralPart of speech: verb

Meanings of Push — Pick the Sense You Need

Push has 3 common meanings. The synonyms below are grouped by meaning so you can jump straight to the sense you need.

  1. Meaning #1 as a verb

    To use your hand or body to move something or someone away from you.

  2. Meaning #2 as a noun

    An organized effort or strong attempt to achieve a goal or change something.

  3. Meaning #3 as a verb

    To urge or try hard to convince someone to act or change.

How to Pronounce Push

IPA: /pʊʃ/ Stress: O

One syllable: push. The /ʊ/ vowel sounds like 'oo' in 'book', not 'oo' in 'boot'. The /ʃ/ sound is like 'sh' in 'shower'.

Full pronunciation guide for push →

4 Synonyms for Push (Meaning #1 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use push as a verb. Meaning: To use your hand or body to move something or someone away from you.

press

/pres/
verb A2

To push down on something with your hand or apply steady force to it.

Example: Press the button to start the machine.

force

/fɔːrs/
noun A2

Strength that pushes or moves something; power applied to make something happen.

Example: The force of the wind knocked down the trees.

5 Synonyms for Push (Meaning #2 — as a noun)

These synonyms work when you use push as a noun. Meaning: An organized effort or strong attempt to achieve a goal or change something.

campaign

/kæmˈpeɪn/
noun B1 Formal

A planned series of activities to reach a goal, like an election or marketing effort.

Example: The presidential campaign lasted several months.

effort

/ˈɛfərt/
noun A2

The work and energy you use to try to do or achieve something.

Example: Learning a new language requires a lot of effort.

drive

/draɪv/
verb A1

To operate a car, truck, or other vehicle by controlling its direction and speed.

Example: I drive to work every day.

5 Synonyms for Push (Meaning #3 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use push as a verb. Meaning: To urge or try hard to convince someone to act or change.

urge

/ɜrdʒ/
verb B1

To push or strongly ask someone to do something.

Example: The doctor urged him to quit smoking immediately.

encourage

/ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ/
verb B1

To inspire or motivate someone to try or do something.

Example: My teacher encouraged me to enter the writing competition.

pressure

/ˈpreʃər/
noun A2

The force pressing on something; or stress and tension that affects a person.

Example: The pressure inside the tire was too low.

drive

/draɪv/
verb A1

To operate a car, truck, or other vehicle by controlling its direction and speed.

Example: I drive to work every day.

advocate

/ˈædvəkeɪt/
verb B2 Formal

To strongly support a cause or idea and speak out for it publicly.

Example: Environmental groups advocate for stricter pollution controls.

Smart Synonyms for Push — When to Use Each

shove

for aggressive or rough pushing motion

press

for pushing with steady continuous force

thrust

for sudden forceful pushing movement

Antonyms of Push — Opposite Words

How to Use Push and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • Please push the door gently to open it. A1
  • The children pushed each other on the playground. A1
  • The company is pushing new technology to improve productivity. B1
  • The marketing push increased sales significantly. B1
  • In the final push, the team worked extra hours. B1

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Push

What is another word for "push"?

Common synonyms for "push" include: shove, press, thrust, force, campaign.

What can I say instead of "push"?

Try one of these alternatives: shove, press, thrust, force, campaign. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "push" formal or informal?

"push" is generally used in neutral contexts.

When should I use "push" instead of "shove"?

Use "push" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "shove" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

What are the antonyms of "push"?

Words with the opposite meaning of "push" include: pull, drag.

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