What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shove
Example
He shoved his way through the crowd to get to the front. [shoved: past tense]
Example
She gave him a shove to get him moving. [shove: noun]
thrust
Example
He thrust the sword into the air, signaling the start of the battle. [thrust: verb]
Example
The rocket's thrust propelled it into space. [thrust: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shove is more commonly used in everyday language, while thrust is more commonly used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shove and thrust?
While both shove and thrust can be used in formal and informal contexts, thrust may be more appropriate in technical or specialized contexts due to its specific connotations and usage.