pull
10 antonyms and opposites of pull, grouped by meaning.
Verb — To apply force to something so it moves toward you.
Antonyms
How to use pull
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English pullian, "to pull, draw, tug," of uncertain deeper origin.
Full origin of pull →Frequently asked questions
What does “pull” mean?
The word “pull” means to apply force to something so it moves toward you.
How do you pronounce “pull”?
“Pull” is pronounced puul (/pʊl/ in IPA).
How do you use “pull” in a sentence?
Here is “pull” used in a sentence: “She pulled the door open and stepped inside.”
What is another word for “pull”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pull” include attract, draw, hale, heave, lug and schlep.
What is the opposite of “pull”?
The opposite of “pull” — its antonyms — are push, repel, shove, eject and leave.
What part of speech is “pull”?
Depending on how it is used, “pull” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “pull” come from?
The word “pull” comes from Old English. From Old English pullian, "to pull, draw, tug," of uncertain deeper origin.
Is “pull” a common word?
“Pull” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between pull and push?
Pull and push are opposites. To pull is to apply force so something moves toward you; to push is to apply force so it moves away. Opening a drawer is a pull, closing it is a push. Both involve force in a straight line, but they act in opposite directions relative to you.
What is the opposite of pull?
The direct opposite of pull is push — moving something away from you rather than toward you. Depending on context, other opposites include release, let go, or drop, when pull means to draw or grip something. But in everyday use, push is the natural antonym of pull.
What is an example of pull used in a sentence?
You might say 'pull the door open,' 'she pulled the rope toward her,' or 'the tractor pulled the trailer.' In each case something has force applied so it moves closer or follows along. Pull can also be figurative, as in 'pull a few strings' or 'feel a pull toward home.'