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

But research has now clearly shown that this marker signals that a person’s risk of these outcomes is elevated. — Matthew Nudy, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026 This frequency determines the exact microwave signal needed to program the processor. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026

Verb

Other proteins, immune changes, and signaling pathways could be responsible as well. — New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026 The music has to do some of the work that visuals normally do, for example establishing atmosphere, signaling danger, creating intimacy in the sensual moments between Dracula and Mina. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal

Noun

Although exploiting these services could reveal a task’s flag, doing so was outside the authorized scope.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
The feeling was mutual, as Algerian flags flew in Lawrence, citizens wore the team’s jerseys and colors, and some kids even practiced with the team.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of flag

Noun

The hood stayed on throughout the meeting, turning a gesture of artistic consistency into something that, to outsiders, might look like a defensive maneuver.

— Alfredo Toriello, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
If they were mean, like too many real-life city council visitors, her above-and-beyond gestures could seem foolish.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of gesture

Verb

With eight seconds left in the first half, Willis put the Dolphins up 10, throwing a 1-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Malik Washington, who ran an out pattern in the end zone after motioning to the slot.

— David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
The former Cowboys star motioned to the drivers of the vehicles to tell them to slow down, and that’s when the dispute began.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of motion

Noun

Three broadcasters also received security threats, in a possible sign the menace was spreading beyond the skies.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
But with Great America’s latest corporate owner, Six Flags, struggling financially after its merger with Cedar Fair, there have been clear signs that the park probably was going to close sooner rather than later.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of sign

Verb

So much so that, in Wild Horse Nine, Chris and Lee both stay there, picking fights with unsuspecting tourists and waving their guns around in the rooms.

— Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Naylor also acknowledged that pitchers ultimately have the final say as to what pitch gets thrown because pitchers can wave off the catcher's call in favor of a different pitch.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of wave

Adjective

As previously reported, Cezary Skubiszewski was feted with the distinguished services to the Australian screen award, in recognition of his impressive body of work spanning more than 30 years.

— Lars Brandle, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2026
Dan Lipinski is a former Democratic congressman from Illinois and a distinguished visiting fellow for the Center for Revitalizing American Institutions at the Hoover Institution.

— Dan Lipinski, Baltimore Sun, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

Thailand's Fifa Laopakdee defended his title at one of the most prestigious amateur events in the world at Te Arai, winning by three shots after a wildly impressive 63 to begin the tournament.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
The next year, the Academy of Country Music honored Mandrell with its most prestigious award, The Pioneer Award.

— Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 2 Nov. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of signal

noun

verb

adjective

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