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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

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
The nervous system sends out signals that cause blood vessels in the skin to widen, producing flushing and warmth. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026 Fatigue, low motivation, weight gain and irritability are being reclaimed by primary care as signals of sleep debt, metabolic disease and untreated depression rather than default hormone problems. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Verb
The science behind global automotive electronics brand Gooloo’s new handheld tablet signals a major shift in the automotive right-to-repair landscape. — New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026 Dergarabedian said the numbers signal that the tides have once again turned for movie theaters, which in recent years struggled to bounce back from lower post-pandemic attendance, Hollywood labor strikes and the increasing dominance of streaming. — Angela Yang, NBC news, 2 Aug. 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
  • Republican Jim Shaw injected humor into his remarks, pulling out a Florida flag while distancing himself from substance use.
    — Joan Murray, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The track, and its accompanying music video, references definitive symbols and figures from Puerto Rico’s pro-independence movement, from activist Eugenio María de Hostos to the light blue flag.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026
Definition of flag
Noun
  • Nyota offers her own words of comfort (and cookies) to Kirk, a nice gesture, but one slightly diminished by Kirk’s inability to connect with Carol and David.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 30 July 2026
  • Gottman’s research on repair attempts shows that small gestures during a fight, like a joke or an apology, can defuse escalation.
    — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of gesture
Verb
  • The hub of the spaceship was too crowded and chaotic for communication, so Frank Kuligowski motioned his pal to the peace of a nearby corridor.
    — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 26 July 2026
  • Hamrick said to his companion, motioning to a spot short of the summit.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Definition of motion
Adjective
  • Hawley criticized Fauci for accepting cash prizes from nonprofits that award money to people for outstanding achievements in given fields and for his embrace of celebrity at the height of the pandemic.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
  • Each being an outstanding and influential wine producing family, their collective power as a group is unparalleled.
    — Yuri Shima, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of outstanding
Noun
  • In the absence of the guy who, for better or worse, has been the main character for the last four episodes, the action shows no signs of slowing down.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 28 July 2026
  • Some associations maintain little more than an entrance sign, while others oversee roads, pools, stormwater systems and other shared infrastructure.
    — Nora O'Neill July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026
Definition of sign
Verb
  • Maybe that's the test worth applying to any transportation company waving a green flag this summer.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The victim told investigators that McKinney then removed a handgun from his waistband, pointed it and waved it toward the windshield while continuing to threaten her.
    — Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of wave
Adjective
  • Why make an honest attempt at distinguished music with such cheeky components?
    — Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026
  • Another distinguished guest is Bénédicte Epinay, executive director of Comité Colbert and a representative of the European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance (ECCIA), which represents seven European luxury and creative industry organizations.
    — Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • The film’s story is said to follow a young dancer at an elite ballet school who finally earns the lead in a prestigious recital, but her focus is shattered by a family tragedy.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 30 July 2026
  • Today’s next generation of aspiring leaders is looking for more than a lucrative payout or a prestigious title.
    — Corey McQuade, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of prestigious

Browse Nearby Words

sign
signal
signaled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on signal

Nglish: Translation of signal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about signal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of mitigate

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

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

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

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

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

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All