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

For now, the overall signal favors a warmer-than-average winter with the potential for below-average snowfall. — Albert Ramon, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 At the same time, a traffic signal at Hazel Avenue and Folsom Boulevard was flashing in all directions, disrupting train signals at three additional intersections, Selenis said. — Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Verb

What’s Happening Researchers are continuing to redesign peptides, the short chains of amino acids the body uses to signal, build muscle and regulate the immune system, so they can be swallowed rather than injected. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 The race could signal whether the largest red urban county in Texas is shifting blue. — Rachel Royster. Produced With Ai Assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal

Noun

The music icon, who hails from Canada, announced the news on Instagram, sharing a photo of herself beaming while holding an American flag along with a video from her naturalization ceremony.

— Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Some strategists, anticipating that the committee may raise flags, now try to get ahead of the process by submitting additional documentation, including filmmaker quotes and source materials, to explain why a film belongs in its intended category.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of flag

Noun

Nordrum’s expressive eyes setting the scene for what might be the most romantic gesture in literature (and movie) history.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
The gestures of moving, being, and breathing coalesced for Kristin as this poem, which emerged from the state of presence that is meditation-in-action.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of gesture

Adjective

The award, which was established by the city of Naperville in 1993, recognizes Naperville-area students for outstanding community service.

— Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
There is no court date scheduled for Wang appearing because there is still an outstanding warrant, a circuit court spokesperson said.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of outstanding

Verb

White stroked a 3-pointer and waved his arms over his head to the crowd.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
The group and left-wing student organisations had urged supporters to gather at the Central Park in New Delhi’s busy Connaught Place shopping and food district on Friday evening to wave and hoist the national flag.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of wave

Adjective

Al Sharpton Al Sharpton is a minister, activist, and one of the nation’s most distinguished leaders in the fight against injustice.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
Brown and Martin have also each earned the IBMA’s distinguished achievement award.

— Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

In 1987, the New York Humans Rights Commission charged the club with discrimination over its exclusionary membership policies, following similar actions taken against other prestigious clubs like Union League, University and Century Association.

— Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
The Hindi-language film has also travelled to prestigious international film festivals, including the Tokyo International Film Festival and Palm Springs International Film Festival.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of prestigious

Browse Nearby Words

sign

signal

signaled

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of signal

noun

verb

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on signal

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes