push
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for push, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To apply force to something so it moves away from you.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use push
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French pousser, from Latin pulsare ("to beat or strike"), the same root that gives us "pulse" and "pulsate."
Full origin of push →Frequently asked questions
What does “push” mean?
The word “push” means to apply force to something so it moves away from you. In plain terms, to apply force to move something away, or to keep pressing someone or something toward a goal.
How do you pronounce “push”?
“Push” is pronounced puush (/pʊʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “push” in a sentence?
Here is “push” used in a sentence: “She pushed the door open with her shoulder.”
What part of speech is “push”?
Depending on how it is used, “push” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “push” come from?
The word “push” comes from Latin. From Old French pousser, from Latin pulsare ("to beat or strike"), the same root that gives us "pulse" and "pulsate.".
Is “push” a common word?
“Push” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “push” have?
“Push” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to apply force to something so it moves away from you.
What is the difference between push and pull?
Push and pull are opposite actions. To push is to apply force so that an object moves away from you, like closing a door or moving a trolley forward. To pull is to apply force so it moves toward you instead. The direction of the force relative to your body is what separates them.
What is an example of a push?
Everyday pushing includes shoving a shopping trolley, pressing a doorbell, closing a heavy door, or nudging a stalled car forward. Figuratively, you can push a product through marketing, push yourself to work harder, or push a deadline back. In each case, force or pressure moves something away or forward from its current position.
Can push be used figuratively?
Yes. Beyond physical force, push often means to urge or pressure — pushing someone to decide, pushing a sales target, or pushing boundaries. It can also mean promoting something aggressively, as in pushing a new brand. These figurative uses all keep the core idea of driving something forward against resistance.