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

Heavy El Niño rainfall there can account for half or more of the signal by changing the oxygen levels in water. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 The breakout is supported by a notable improvement in intermediate-term momentum, with the weekly MACD having stayed on a ‘buy’ signal for several weeks. — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Verb

Putin, for his part, did not publicly signal any movement from his previous steep demands, which seek major concessions from Ukraine. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026 But at the last moment, the defense attorney sprung up from his chair to argue a Hail Mary in a final effort to avert a mistrial, prompting a court officer to hold out his hand to signal the jurors should not yet enter the courtroom. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal

Noun

The league is also asking prediction markets to stop offering predictions on officiating, such as how many flags will be thrown.

— Luke Barr, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
The national flags of China and New Zealand flutter at Tian'anmen Square on June 19, 2025 in Beijing, China.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of flag

Noun

Studying the effects of this fluctuating luminescence on interpreting gesture may tell us whether speech has significant benefits around an evening campfire.

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
After both drivers made hand gestures at each other, the unidentified victim drove to a house in Poolville, and Jones followed, the release stated.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of gesture

Verb

One person told police that Rodriguez was standing on the sidewalk outside the church when Rodriguez motioned for the person to fight him – after which Rodriguez approached and started swinging fists in his direction, according to court records.

— Harry Harris, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
Councilor Jennifer Sigette motioned to keep the city meeting open so everyone would have a chance to comment, to no avail.

— Gabriel Brito, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of motion

Adjective

Why Specialization Still Matters Many excellent residential management companies provide outstanding service to apartment owners.

— David Crown, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Two players — quarterback Ryan Rakowski and safety Jalen Flowers — have been outstanding in delivering big plays.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of outstanding

Noun

But rather than placing a higher hurdle on the bill, the maneuver is considered a sign of its popularity as a temporary stopgap.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Mars in your sign challenges disciplined Saturn, creating the deeply irritating experience of feeling motivated and blocked at the same time.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of sign

Verb

Beyoncé, who wore a cozy hoodie for the outing, also blew kisses to the crowd and waved to fans as Jay-Z sang to her.

— Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
Fans are also shown waving the flag of the Philippines, an overhead shot of Eala’s black Chanel handbag and the WTA player posing in distressed jeans and a tangerine-colored open-back top.

— Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of wave

Adjective

Our distinguished community of musical-theater actors deserves greater challenges and if theaters don’t train audiences to take a risk on newer material, its embrace will be yet harder in generations to come.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Satsky’s attorney, Robert Anello of New York, told The Charlotte Observer Tuesday that his client has a distinguished 30-year career in finance and an unblemished reputation for integrity.

— Chase Jordan August 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

Karp chaired Paul Weiss, one of the country’s most prestigious law firms, for years before being forced to step down in February over his connections to Epstein.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2026
Last year’s Venice Film Festival saw the premiere of Jay Kelly, in which George Clooney plays a movie star who travels to Italy to get a lifetime-achievement award from a prestigious film festival.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of prestigious

Browse Nearby Words

sign

signal

signaled

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of signal

noun

verb

adjective

Example Sentences

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