To overcome drag, airplanes use a propulsion system to generate a force called thrust.
Source: tatoeba (5325772)
Propulsion
/pɹəˈpʌlʃən/
Synonyms for "propulsion" (83 found)
Ranked by relevance and common usage.
Closest matches (17)
Noun(5 words)
action and reactionaeromotoratomic powerbuntbuttcloutcompulsiondrivedriving forceelectric powerelectropower
Verb(1 words)
drive the rotor faster
Strong matches (25)
Noun(7 words)
Adjective(3 words)
extended reach thrustforward motionheavy thrust
horsepowerhydraulic powerhydroelectric powerimpellentimpelling forceimpetusimpulseimpulsionincentiveincitementirresistible forcejet powerjet propulsionmanpowermoment
Related words (41)
Adverb(1 words)
more accelerating
Noun(10 words)
motionmotivationnorwegian skubberocket thrustscootingthrustthrust forcesthrust forward aggressivelythrust with forceundulation
Verb(2 words)
push forwardthrust a blade
Adjective(1 words)
steady push
Choosing the right synonym
- Closest matches in this entry: accelerating force, action and reaction, actuation, aeromotor, assembly line push.
- Sentence evidence is available for propulsion, so synonym choice can be checked against real usage rather than a flat word list.
- Ranking signals come from derived_reverse, moby, wordnet, opengloss, and related lexical sources.
Synonym selection checklist
- Match the part of speech before comparing meanings.
- Check whether the synonym changes intensity, formality, or emotional tone.
- Read the replacement inside the full sentence, not just beside "propulsion".
- Prefer the clearest word over the most unusual word when writing for speed or comprehension.
When not to replace "propulsion"
Keep "propulsion" when the sentence already sounds natural, when a synonym would add unintended emphasis, or when readers need the most familiar wording. A synonym should clarify or sharpen the message, not simply make the sentence look more varied.
If two options seem close, choose the one that best matches the audience and purpose of the sentence.
Replacement workflow
1. Preserve meaning
Choose a synonym only if it keeps the core idea of "propulsion" intact in the sentence you are editing.
2. Tune tone
Check whether the replacement sounds more formal, casual, emotional, technical, or forceful than the original word.
3. Re-read context
Read the full sentence after the swap. Keep the synonym only when the sentence becomes clearer or more precise.
Review note: Synonym lists are ranked with lexical data and reviewed for practical writing value. Use the comparison notes, sentence evidence, and source labels together; a high-ranking synonym can still be wrong when the audience, register, or grammar changes.
Final fit check
After choosing a replacement for "propulsion", read the sentence once for meaning and once for rhythm. The best synonym should feel natural in the full sentence, not only accurate in a word list.
If the synonym makes the sentence slower, vaguer, or more dramatic than intended, keep "propulsion" or choose a simpler alternative from the closest-match group.
Related word relations
OpenGloss and ConceptNet supply richer edges like generalizations, collocations, and derivations.
More general
7 entriesMore specific
6 entriesCollocations
6 entrieselectric propulsionjet propulsionpropulsion methodpropulsion systemrocket propulsionsolar propulsion
Inflections
1 entriesDerivations
2 entriesSample sentences
13 total sentences available.
After World War II, as jet engines gained popularity, aerodynamicists used jet engines to turn the propellers on some aircraft. This propulsion system is called a turboprop.
Source: tatoeba (5325827)
Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory raced drones controlled by artificial intelligence (A.I.) against a professional human pilot.
Source: tatoeba (6478998)
Scientists expect that as long as sunlight reaches them, solar sails will keep accelerating to much higher speeds than what is provided by traditional propulsion methods using chemical or nuclear fuel.
Source: tatoeba (8125264)
Showing 4 of 13 available sentences.
Common questions
What are the closest synonyms for "propulsion"?
Closest matches include accelerating force, action and reaction, actuation, aeromotor, assembly line push.
How should I check whether a synonym fits "propulsion"?
Compare the replacement against real sentence context. This entry includes sample sentences so you can check tone, grammar, and meaning before swapping words.