signal 1 of 3

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
These Morse code-like signals communicate what type and how fit the fireflies are to potential mates in the darkness. Owen Martin, The Conversation, 1 May 2025 And astronomers will only have about 10 to 15 minutes to point a telescope at the burst once the initial signal is detected. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2025
Verb
White smoke signals a new leader of the Roman Catholic Church is selected. Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025 The left-wing Social Democratic Party of Germany, which will be part of the incoming coalition government, has signaled a willingness for this course of action. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • This week's quiz highlights equestrian events, flag facts, famous food — and a lot more.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Trump also directed that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff in Francis’ honor.
    Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The image depicts Trump — who is not Catholic — seated on an gilded chair, dressed in white papal vestments and headdress, with one finger raised, in a gesture that evokes Christ and other religious figures’ hand symbols in Christian iconography.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 4 May 2025
  • The gesture served as a precursor for the celebration that followed.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • The Colorado Buffaloes head coach raised his hand and motioned in the air before taking a sip of his water bottle in the clip, shared by uStadium on X. After Shedeur's draft party, Deion posted a video of his son addressing guests with a humble message.
    Natasha Dye, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Fuhrer voted against accepting the report and motioned to rescind the resolution supervisors approved in December, which censured Fuhrer and came with a suite of actions, including blocking him from becoming board chair.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Her thirty-five-year corporate journey has been marked by outstanding achievement and transformative influence.
    Mamie Jones, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Although single motherhood was challenging, Henson has a moving story and created an outstanding life for herself despite the odds.
    Essence, Essence, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Additionally, self-care can sometimes be a sign of confidence and longevity, rather than simply personal maintenance.
    Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Talks are ongoing between the U.S. and teams from Kyiv and Moscow, but Washington threatened last week to quit negotiations if there was no imminent signs of compromise.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Elon Musk waving around a chain saw was more than an instantly viral moment.
    Jonathan Swan, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Rumi waves to the crowd, and her mom continues to serenade her.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The research was designed to capture a look at much of the world, said study lead and report contributor Dr. Byron Johnson, distinguished professor of the social sciences at Baylor in Waco, Texas.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Only this season for Valladolid has proved anything but distinguished.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While performance in European competition has propelled them into financial parity with Scandinavia’s biggest clubs, there’s an acceptance that when players shine, there will be interest from more affluent and prestigious sides.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Harassment, fear alter campus life As prestigious universities like Harvard became a focal point of outside scrutiny last year, external harassment had devastating effects on students, the report says.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 10 May. 2025.

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