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Synonyms

driving

American  
[drahy-ving] / ˈdraɪ vɪŋ /

adjective

  1. demanding a high or unreasonable rate of work from subordinates.

  2. vigorously active; energetic.

    a driving young executive.

  3. having force and violence.

    a driving storm.

  4. relaying or transmitting power.

  5. used while operating a vehicle.

    driving gloves.
driving British  
/ ˈdraɪvɪŋ /

adjective

  1. having or moving with force and violence

    driving rain

  2. forceful or energetic

  3. relating to the controlling of a motor vehicle in motion

    driving test
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of driving

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; drive + -ing 2

Vocabulary lists containing driving

Unit 2, Week 3

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Driving interventions were for things such as parking spots or adjusting the route on the fly.

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

Driving roles have also remained relatively insulated from AI, even as automation advances.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Driving across the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge reminds us that government can still do great things and that we can change the trajectory of New York.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Driving the Porsche 911 Cup for GMG Racing in the Mobil Pro Class, the 22-year-old Australian led from start to finish in Race 1 of the Carrera Cup North America on Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Driving along a canyon road about two miles from the house, Frankie saw a large rock in his path and swerved to avoid it.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.