1
as in sign
a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or feeling
a teenager who often shrugs her shoulders in a gesture of indifference
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in courtesy
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
sent a handwritten thank-you note as a gesture of his gratitude
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of gesture
Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
Hamm visited Nichols during an earlier stage of his recovery, when Nichols was able to respond to yes-or-no questions using hand gestures.
—Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
During a banquet dinner Sunday evening, Xi warmly greeted Putin and was seen gesturing expressively in conversation with the Russian leader.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Noun
Yes, the gesture is partially about good customer service, but that’s not all.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
Hamm visited Nichols during an earlier stage of his recovery, when Nichols was able to respond to yes-or-no questions using hand gestures.
—Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
However, Aitana Bonmati gestured to the stands to be quiet, so that her team-mate could focus.
—Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
During a banquet dinner Sunday evening, Xi warmly greeted Putin and was seen gesturing expressively in conversation with the Russian leader.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gesture
Noun
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The kids associate helicopters with life flights to the local hospital, a sign that someone has been seriously injured, Cornelison said.—
John Wisely,
Freep.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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Eddie Howe will hope Newcastle’s 4-0 thumping of USG is the first sign of their new-look front line gelling, with Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon (two penalties) and Harvey Barnes all on target.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Even more detailed views came courtesy of astrophotographer Dan Bartlett, who imaged the comet over multiple nights to reveal how the complex structure of its ever-shifting tail evolved over time from his backyard in June Lake, California, over recent weeks.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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One was courtesy of shortstop Trevor Story, and the other was via first baseman Nathaniel Lowe.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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During the 2022 incident, an unknown person motioned toward Newton to arrest Mitchell for trespassing.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
30 Sep. 2025
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The second man, wearing blue rubber medical gloves, later did the same and motioned for help.—
Peter D'Abrosca , Brooke Taylor,
FOXNews.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Layoffs can occur for many reasons; while they can be viewed as a signal about how companies view economic headwinds, the reasons may also be more localized to individual companies amid restructuring or plans to maximize profits.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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The left and right side will alternate red and green signals, allowing one vehicle at a tie to merge onto the freeway.—
Natalie Davies,
Freep.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The clearest firebrand of the group is Suzanne (Mia Barron), whose patronizing politeness will eventually give way to rage once her views are challenged.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
24 Sep. 2025
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The poster themselves shared their belief in the power of politeness.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Many springs feature a visible boil at the water surface above the spring vent, crystal clear water, submerged grasses waving in the current, and a range of fish, turtles, snails and other aquatic animals hiding in the grasses.—
Christopher F. Meindl,
The Conversation,
3 Oct. 2025
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Students waved pompoms also in the school’s signature black and red as Wilson jumped for joy.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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What's Next Chinese research ship operations in neighboring maritime zones are likely to remain a source of controversy as the country continues to strengthen its posture in the region.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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In the studio, niche interests are exchanged for conformity and collective attention to breath and postures—at least on the surface.—
Calin Van Paris,
Outside,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Forced to participate in increasingly macabre rituals and tests, Giacomo is consumed by the sinister — as apparitions, ghosts and deadly rumors start to accumulate.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
29 Sep. 2025
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The line includes scent beads and tumble dryer sheets, described as transforming the act of doing laundry into a sensory ritual.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gesture. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
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