thrust
19 synonyms and 2 antonyms for thrust, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sudden strong push or lunge forward.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A sudden strong push or lunge forward.
“With one quick thrust, the fencer scored the winning point.”
How to use thrust
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
the thrust of the argument
jet thrust
thrust forward
Etymology
From Old Norse þrysta, meaning "to press" or "to force."
Full origin of thrust →Frequently asked questions
What does “thrust” mean?
The word “thrust” means a sudden strong push or lunge forward. In plain terms, a forceful push, or (figuratively) the main point of something.
How do you pronounce “thrust”?
“Thrust” is pronounced thruhst (/θɹʌst/ in IPA).
How do you use “thrust” in a sentence?
Here is “thrust” used in a sentence: “He fended off the sword's thrust with his shield.”
What part of speech is “thrust”?
Depending on how it is used, “thrust” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “thrust” come from?
The word “thrust” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse þrysta, meaning "to press" or "to force.".
Is “thrust” a common word?
“Thrust” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “thrust” have?
“Thrust” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden strong push or lunge forward.
What is the difference between thrust and force?
Thrust specifically refers to a sudden strong push or lunge forward, often in a single direction, while force is a broader physics term for any push or pull on an object. In everyday and technical use, thrust usually implies forward propulsion, such as the thrust generated by a jet engine or rocket.
What is the difference between the noun thrust and the verb thrust?
As a noun, thrust means a sudden strong push or lunge forward, or the main point of an argument. As a verb, thrust means to push something forward with force, often suddenly, such as thrusting a hand into a pocket.
What does it mean to describe the thrust of an argument?
When people talk about the thrust of an argument or plan, they mean its main point or central focus rather than every supporting detail. This figurative sense extends the physical idea of forward momentum to the direction of an idea.
