Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Drive” — 12 Other Ways to Say It
To operate a car, truck, or other vehicle by controlling its direction and speed.
Meanings of Drive — Pick the Sense You Need
Drive has 4 common meanings. The synonyms below are grouped by meaning so you can jump straight to the sense you need.
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Meaning #1
as a verb
To operate a car, truck, or other vehicle by controlling its direction and speed.
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Meaning #2
as a noun
A journey in a car or other vehicle from one place to another.
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Meaning #3
as a noun
A strong feeling inside you that makes you want to succeed or achieve something.
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Meaning #4
as a verb
To push or force someone to do something or to cause strong feelings or behavior.
How to Pronounce Drive
IPA: /draɪv/ Stress: O
The long 'i' sound in the middle is like the 'i' in 'site'. The 'v' at the end is soft, not like 'f'.
3 Synonyms for Drive (Meaning #1 — as a verb)
These synonyms work when you use drive as a verb. Meaning: To operate a car, truck, or other vehicle by controlling its direction and speed.
operate
/ˈɑpəreɪt/To make something work or function; to use or run a machine or device.
Example: The new factory operates twenty-four hours a day.
pilot
/ˈpaɪlət/A person whose job is to fly airplanes or steer ships in the ocean or rivers.
Example: The pilot flew the airplane safely through the storm.
control
/kənˈtrəʊl/The ability to make decisions about what something does or how it happens.
Example: The driver lost control of the car on the icy road.
3 Synonyms for Drive (Meaning #2 — as a noun)
These synonyms work when you use drive as a noun. Meaning: A journey in a car or other vehicle from one place to another.
trip
/trɪp/Going from one place to another place and usually coming back, like a vacation or short journey.
Example: We took a trip to the beach last summer.
journey
/ˈdʒɜːrni/A journey is a trip where you travel from one place to another, often taking time.
Example: The journey to school takes thirty minutes by bus.
ride
/raɪd/To sit on a horse, bike, motorcycle, or in a vehicle and travel from one place to another.
Example: My daughter learned to ride a bicycle last summer.
3 Synonyms for Drive (Meaning #3 — as a noun)
These synonyms work when you use drive as a noun. Meaning: A strong feeling inside you that makes you want to succeed or achieve something.
motivation
/ˌmoʊtɪˈveɪʃən/Your reason for wanting to do something. The drive or willingness that makes you act.
Example: Her motivation to succeed comes from her passion for the subject.
energy
/ˈɛnɚdʒi/Power and strength to work or move; fuel or resources that make things work.
Example: I don't have the energy to go out after work today.
3 Synonyms for Drive (Meaning #4 — as a verb)
These synonyms work when you use drive as a verb. Meaning: To push or force someone to do something or to cause strong feelings or behavior.
force
/fɔːrs/Strength that pushes or moves something; power applied to make something happen.
Example: The force of the wind knocked down the trees.
Smart Synonyms for Drive — When to Use Each
operate
for any machine or vehicle in formal contexts
pilot
for aircraft or ships with skilled navigation
ride
when you are a passenger rather than driver
Antonyms of Drive — Opposite Words
How to Use Drive and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- I drive to work every day. A1
- Can you drive a car? A1
- When you drive carefully, you stay safe. A1
- We took a long drive through the mountains. A2
- My morning drive to work takes thirty minutes. A2
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Drive
What is another word for "drive"?
Common synonyms for "drive" include: operate, pilot, control, trip, journey.
What can I say instead of "drive"?
Try one of these alternatives: operate, pilot, control, trip, journey. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "drive" formal or informal?
"drive" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "drive" instead of "operate"?
Use "drive" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "operate" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "drive"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "drive" include: laziness, apathy.