SIGNAL Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

signal 1 of 3

noun

ˈsig-nᵊl

Definition of signal

as in flag

an object intended to give public notice or warning stop signs are signals for vehicles to come to a full stop—not suggestions for slowing down, as some drivers seem to think

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in gesture

a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or feeling quietly waiting for the signal to advance

Synonyms & Similar Words

signal

2 of 3

verb

as in to motion

to direct or notify by a movement or gesture signaled the oncoming traffic to stop while the wrecked car was being towed away

Synonyms & Similar Words

signal

3 of 3

adjective

as in outstanding

standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement the Louisiana Purchase is cited by many historians as one of the most signal events in American history

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of signal

Noun

Though the delivery time for such orders can be multiple years, approving such sales sends a broader signal about the bilateral relationship. — Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026 Later, an opposition to unpredictable Uranus reminds us to balance bold leaps with steady signals, so plans, messages, and travel stay flexible, safe, and kind. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2026

Verb

But on Wednesday, the Fed’s rate-setting committee unanimously agreed to a rate hike, and nearly all policymakers signaled that a second increase later this year would likely be appropriate. — Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026 None of that, however, signals an imminent financial crisis or economic collapse, economists say. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal

Noun

An editorial montage of the Japan flag and Japanese yen cash bank notes.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
From a camp cabin, modeled after her own, complete with bunk beds, bedding, an outdoor vanity and camp flag, to a soccer set that features all of Daisy's favorites, there are a handful of new items to explore.

— Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of flag

Noun

Landry, like Mulkey and Jenkins, gives an all-time great performance, eschewing cliché with every line reading and gesture.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
As political fix-it man, Fox burns some comic octane, his sense of timing and talent for the right gesture put to good use here.

— Miles Beller, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of gesture

Verb

The 2022 ruling came after the defense motioned in 2020 to have Toshpuldzoda evaluated for mental health issues.

— Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2026
District 4 Councilwoman Renee Perkins Johnson motioned at the May 11 meeting to rescind support for the project’s funding agreement.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of motion

Noun

Venus in your daily-life zone connects awkwardly with Uranus in your sign, increasing your appetite for novelty, movement, or a different way of doing things.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
The Moon in your sign trines Chiron in your creative 5th house, encouraging you to show a side of yourself that isn’t polished for approval.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of sign

Verb

The lingerers brought their dirty dishes to the bus tub, wiped their mouths one last time with a napkin, and waved to Cleo, their faces saying, Nice job!

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
Caleb Flynn waved him down and said his wife had been shot and the intruder was not in the house, the sergeant testified.

— Holly Yan, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of wave

Adjective

Why Connecticut Should Lead Connecticut has a unique opportunity to lead the nation in civics education because Senator Lieberman was one of its most distinguished public servants.

— Clarine Nardi Riddle, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026
One of America’s most distinguished pediatric cardiologists says the nation is in desperate shape with the end of Medicaid subsidies and the 28 million people who lack insurance.

— Llewellyn King, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

The Riemann hypothesis is arguably the most prestigious of the Millennium Prize Problems.

— Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026
This was certainly true at Saturday night’s awards presentation, when the prestigious Golden Lion went to the Danish/Swedish/Latvian film Woman Unknown.

— Joe Reid, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of prestigious

Browse Nearby Words

sign

signal

signaled

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of signal

noun

verb

adjective

Example Sentences

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