All Definitions for Pull
Below are all the dictionary definitions of pull:
1To apply a force to (an object) so that it comes toward the person or thing applying the force.
2To gather with the hand, or by drawing toward oneself
3To pluck or pick (flowers, fruit, etc.).
4To attract or net
5To pull in.
6To persuade (someone) to have sex with one.
7To interest (someone) in dating or pursuing one (whether or not this has led to sex).
8To remove or withdraw (something), especially from public circulation or availability.
9To retrieve or look up for use.
10To obtain (a permit) from a regulatory authority.
11To do or perform, especially something seen as negative by the speaker.
12To copy or emulate the actions or behaviour associated with the person or thing mentioned (with a and the name of a person, place, event, etc.).
13To toss a frisbee with the intention of launching the disc across the length of a field.
14To row.
15To transport by rowing.
16To achieve by rowing on a rowing machine.
17To draw apart
18To tear
19To rend.
20To strain (a muscle, tendon, ligament, etc.).
21To draw (a hostile non-player character) into combat, or toward or away from some location or target.
22To score a certain number of points in a sport.
23To hold back, and so prevent from winning.
24To take or make (a proof or impression)
25So called because hand presses were worked by pulling a lever.
26To strike the ball in a particular manner. (See noun sense.)
27To draw beer from a pump, keg, or other source.
28To take a swig or mouthful of drink.
29Of a railroad car, to pull out from a yard or station
30To leave.
31(Followed by a preposition or adverb) To drive (a vehicle) in a particular direction or to a particular place.
32To pull over (a driver or vehicle)
33To detain for a traffic stop.
34To repeatedly stretch taffy in order to achieve the desired stretchy texture.
35To retrieve source code or other material from a source control repository.
36In practice fighting, to reduce the strength of a blow (etymology 3) so as to avoid injuring one's practice partner.
37To impede the progress of (a horse) to prevent its winning a race.
38An act of pulling (applying force toward oneself).
39An attractive force which causes motion towards the source.
40An advantage over somebody
41A means of influencing.
42The power to influence someone or something
43Sway, clout.
44Any device meant to be pulled, as a lever, knob, handle, or rope.
45A randomized selection from a given set.
46A high-quality or funny recommendation by the algorithm.
47A player's use of a game's gacha mechanic to obtain a random reward.
48Something in one's favour in a comparison or a contest
49Antage.
50Appeal or attraction.
51The act or process of sending out a request for data from a server by a client.
52A journey made by rowing.
53A contest
54A struggle.
55An injury resulting from a forceful pull on a limb, etc.
56Strain
57Sprain.
58A drink, especially of an alcoholic beverage
59A mouthful or swig of a drink.
60A type of stroke by which a leg ball is sent to the off side, or an off ball to the on side
61A pull shot.
62A mishit shot which travels in a straight line and (for a right-handed player) left of the intended path.
63A proof sheet.
64Loss, misfortune, or violence suffered.
65A single impression from a handpress.
About synonyms for pull
Finding the right synonym for pull helps writers avoid repetition and add precision to their work. Defined as "To apply a force to (an object) so that it comes toward the person or thing applying the force.", pull has 4 alternatives that can fit different contexts and tones.
Each synonym carries a slightly different shade of meaning. Pulling is the most direct replacement in most situations. Draw works well in formal or professional contexts. Clout is often preferred when the context calls for a more specific or nuanced expression.
When choosing a synonym, 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 synonym in a business email can elevate your tone, while a casual synonym might feel more natural in creative writing or dialogue.
It is also worth noting that not all synonyms are perfectly interchangeable. The context of your sentence, the surrounding words, and the intended emotional impact all play a role in selecting the best alternative. The list above provides the most common and useful replacements for pull, but always read your sentence aloud to ensure the chosen word flows naturally.