Antonyms for
move
To change place or posture
7 antonyms 4 letters

Found 7 Antonyms for Move

Words with the opposite meaning to move:

repose
rest
refrain
stickstay
forbear
forebear

3 of these 7 words have its own antonym network. Click any highlighted word to explore its alternatives. The others are shown for reference.

All Definitions for Move

Below are all the dictionary definitions of move:

1To change place or posture
2To go, in any manner, from one place or position to another.
3To act
4To take action
5To begin to act
6To change residence, for example from one house, town, or state, to another
7To go and live at another place. See also move out and move in.
8To cause to change place or posture in any manner
9To set in motion
10To carry, convey, draw, or push from one place to another
11To transfer (a piece) from one space or position on the board to another.
12To excite to action by the presentation of motives
13To rouse by representation, persuasion, or appeal
14To influence.
15To arouse the feelings or passions of
16Especially, to excite to tenderness or compassion, to excite (for example, an emotion).
17To propose
18To recommend
19Specifically, to propose formally for consideration and determination, in a deliberative assembly
20To submit
21To request an action from the court.
22To sell or market (especially physical inventory or illicit drugs).
23To transfer the value of one object in memory to another efficiently (i.e., without copying it in entirety).
24The act of moving
25A movement.
26An act for the attainment of an object
27A step in the execution of a plan or purpose.
28A formalized or practiced action used in athletics, dance, physical exercise, self-defense, hand-to-hand combat, etc.
29The event of changing one's residence.
30A change in strategy.
31A transfer, a change from one employer to another.
32The act of moving a token on a gameboard from one position to another according to the rules of the game.
33A round, in which each player has a turn.
34Within the Minimalist Program, a fundamental operation of syntactic construction
35To mention
36To raise (a question)
37To suggest (a course of action)
38To lodge (a complaint).
39To incite, urge (someone to do something)
40To solicit (someone for or of an issue)
41To make a proposal to.
42To apply to, as for aid.
43To bow or salute upon meeting.

Writing Tips

  • Use antonyms to create contrast and emphasize differences.
  • Pair antonyms in parallel structure for rhetorical impact.
  • Not all antonyms are perfectly opposite — check context.
  • Using antonyms improves clarity by showing what something is not.
Frequently Asked Questions

What are antonyms for move?

Words like repose, rest, refrain, stick, stay are common antonyms for move. These words express opposite or contrasting meanings and can be used to create contrast in writing.

How many antonyms does move have?

We have identified 7 antonyms for move in our database. The English language often has multiple words with contrasting meanings.

Can I use these antonyms in formal writing?

Most antonyms listed here are suitable for formal writing, but always check the specific context. Some antonyms carry slightly different connotations or degrees of opposition.

About antonyms for move

Finding the right antonym for move helps writers create contrast, clarify meaning, and add depth to their work. Defined as "To change place or posture", move has 7 opposite words that can be used to express contrasting ideas.

Each antonym carries a slightly different shade of opposition. Repose is the most direct opposite in most situations. Rest works well when the context calls for a more nuanced contrast. Refrain is often preferred when the context calls for a specific type of opposition.

When choosing an antonym, consider the connotation, formality level, and audience. Some alternatives work better in casual conversation while others shine in academic or professional writing. For example, using a more formal antonym in a business email can elevate your tone, while a casual antonym might feel more natural in creative writing or dialogue.

It is also worth noting that not all antonyms are perfectly interchangeable. The context of your sentence, the surrounding words, and the intended emotional impact all play a role in selecting the best opposite word. The list above provides the most common and useful antonyms for move, but always read your sentence aloud to ensure the chosen word flows naturally.