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

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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

At the center of the platform is a 400 Gbps silicon photonic transceiver that converts electrical signals into optical signals and back again. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026 Consistent mentions of gentleness, clear communication and how the dog behaved afterward are strong positive signals. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

Verb

Today, Mayor Mamdani is signaling that New York intends to continue that tradition. — Andrew Kimball, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026 Labor groups are backing Assembly Bill 1729 and eyeing the next governor’s race, where Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra has signaled openness to more generous remote work policies. — Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal

Noun

Opponents say the ambiguous law only intimidates people from using the flag in art, protests or other forms of expression, and could violate constitutional freedom of speech.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
Fans were launched into the air, beer shimmered in the sunlight as it was sprayed onto fellow fans, and dozens sang, danced and waved Mexican flags.

— Meredith Nierman, NPR, 17 July 2026

Definition of flag

Noun

Even when two of them are just seated in the booth of a diner, what passes between them is suggested by looks, gestures, and our ability to read the situation.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 July 2026
The Smart Stack offers more contextual suggestions and has added convenient gesture controls.

— Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 15 July 2026

Definition of gesture

Verb

In security footage obtained by ABC 13, the officer, alleged to be Carrico, is seen motioning the woman to take a seat; the woman complies.

— Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Luz, the group’s search leader and spokesperson for the day, immediately motions with her hand for the group to drive forward.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Definition of motion

Adjective

After dark, the remote far-western location and low levels of artificial light make this region an outstanding destination for viewing the Perseid meteor shower.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 15 July 2026
It was also nominated for 12 Emmy Awards, winning one for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for Arthur in 1977.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026

Definition of outstanding

Noun

This is the first sign of the kind of tomfoolery Luke has in store for the night.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
The bright blue sign reading ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ outside the silver chain-link gate at Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport has been removed.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Definition of sign

Adjective

Its method is both distinguished and derived from nineteenth-century classics, from which Rohmer distills a modernism of variety, ambiguity, complexity, and fragmentation.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
Brand was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1972 and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1978 as a distinguished member.

— Norah Judson, Des Moines Register, 9 July 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

That fall, Yamal took home the Kopa Trophy at France Football magazine’s prestigious Ballon d’Or gala.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 16 July 2026
Even after being added to the prestigious Nasdaq 100 and Russell 1000 stock indexes, which ordinarily would have sparked buying, the stock has fallen every single day, except for one, since then.

— Steve Kopack, NBC news, 16 July 2026

Definition of prestigious

Browse Nearby Words

sign

signal

signaled

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Style

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

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Synonyms of signal

noun

verb

adjective

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