signal 1 of 3

noun

ˈsig-nᵊl How to pronounce signal (audio)
Definition of signalnext
1
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

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2
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

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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

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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

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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
Work is already underway to upgrade the Manhattan portion of the A and C lines to CBTC signals. — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026 Hecht does not want to publish the specific signals the system uses. — Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
But in recent months, the carrier has been downplaying the satellite connectivity, and even signaling it could use a different satellite provider. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 When an oil producer changes its relationship with OPEC or signals a different output strategy, that matters because output moves freight cost, freight cost moves landed cost, and landed cost moves pricing, margin and inventory decisions. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
  1. flag
  2. gesture
  3. motion
  4. outstanding
  5. sign
  6. wave
  7. distinguished
  8. prestigious
Noun
  • The damage included the complete removal of one Marine's head, along with damage to other figures depicted raising the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, according to authorities.
    — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The kingdom’s main flag carrier, Saudia, is offering tickets to Riyadh via Al Qassim, with a bus connection to the Saudi capital.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of flag
Noun
  • One of the sweetest gestures during the Halloween season in Kansas City comes from one of the sweetest companies in town — Russell Stover.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Still, the gesture sends a clear message that this is Luka's team now.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of gesture
Verb
  • Tight end John Bates lined up out wide to the far side, motioning to hurry up.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • On the touchdown, the senior motioned to the field side to be a second slot receiver.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of motion
Adjective
  • Highfill maintains a covenant requiring utility rates to generate net revenues equal to at least 110% of maximum annual debt service on outstanding system bonds.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The debt reflects the principal amount outstanding under convertible notes Anthropic issued to Amazon starting in 2023, according to the lab's prospectus.
    — Ashley Capoot,Jordan Novet,Annie Palmer,Lora Kolodny,Kai Nicol-Schwarz,Caleigh Keating, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of outstanding
Noun
  • Every year after Halloween, Spirit Halloween’s stores empty out and the signs come down.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • One particularly promising example is an MRI technique that identifies the central vein sign, a feature that can help physicians distinguish lesions associated with MS from abnormalities caused by other conditions.
    — Bruce Bebo, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of sign
Verb
  • Before joining the postgame handshake line, Bidunga turned toward the KU student section in the south end zone, waved and blew a kiss goodbye to the same fans who had booed him during warmups, introductions and throughout the game.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
  • One notice was handed to Nasir Malik, a community activist in a New Delhi quarter called Mustafabad, who waved it around on a recent day.
    — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of wave
Adjective
  • Even among the most distinguished tracks in this knowingly suite-like album, White doesn’t resist his tinkerer’s instinct for microstructures.
    — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • While further plot details can’t be spoiled, the opening sequence has Tarantino’s distinguished style of writing and visually, the Hollywood of 1977 is, in true Fincher style, gritty and dark.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • The format is innovative, involving 30 students from France’s prestigious perfumery schools École Supérieure du Parfum, or ESP, and Institut Supérieur International du Parfum, de la Cosmétique et de l’Aromatique Alimentaire, or ISIPCA.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • He had just been awarded the prestigious Alfred Hodder Fellowship at Princeton University, which gave him the financial means and time to work on several projects and to announce himself and his work to a wider academic community.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of prestigious

Browse Nearby Words

sign
signal
signaled
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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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