signal 1 of 3

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

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
Swollen or tender nodes at the neck, armpits or groin signal that the body’s filtration sites are overloaded or actively fighting something, per Cleveland Clinic. Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026 The website tracks only vessels with active transponders, meaning additional ships may have crossed with their signals switched off. Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Verb
While the slate of laws was passed, several lawmakers have signaled that more bills will be introduced on the topic in the next session, which starts in January 2027. Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 4 July 2026 When the final whistle blew, signalling Colombia’s 1-0 victory, the place erupted into cheers. Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • For example, one set of flag banners for Argentina and Cape Verde were in Miami at Hard Rock Stadium for Friday’s game while the other set was already en route to Atlanta, where the winner of this match would play next in the Round of 16.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • Inside the building, the rhythm of an African drumbeat pulsated a few rows of the upper deck, the fans there draped by the flag of Ghana.
    Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI rescinded the excommunications of the surviving bishops as a gesture towards reconciliation.
    Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 2 July 2026
  • People would hang from windows, encouraging you to do naughty things, and my thumb has never been sorer from back-and-forth gestures.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
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
Adjective
  • Watson was always known for incredibly quick hands and outstanding bat speed.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Another outstanding rug in the lineup this week is this easy-to-clean jute number from Joon Loloi at 60% off.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • The housing bill, formally called the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, can still become law if Trump neither signs it nor vetoes it in 10 days, excluding Sundays.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • There are signs all around Preston Hollow opposing the project.
    J.D. Miles, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Some waving flags, others wiping away tears, thousands have gathered in Tehran for the funeral of Iran’s former supreme leader.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • For 90 minutes, supporters waved flags, drummed, danced, and sang, but by the end of the evening the soccer scoreline mattered far less than what unfolded in the crowd.
    Latif Love July 4, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Arlington received a distinguished visitor Saturday as the King of Jordan stopped by during the city's World Cup festivities.
    Doug Myers, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • Liu, then a Tencent distinguished scientist (a senior title the Chinese tech giant gives to elite researchers) leading the company’s development of its Hunyuan AI model from scratch, saw where the industry was heading.
    Zinnia Lee, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • That momentous draw came in the final group-stage game of the prestigious tournament.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • By the end of the year, Modrić had won the Ballon d’Or, too, the prestigious award given to the world’s best player.
    Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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