1
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
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
Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
This minimizes overlap and ensures that each signal remains distinct at the receiver.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
That funding signals institutional willingness to underwrite projects that are embedded in the EU’s industrial goals.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for signal
Noun
The rebound came as financial markets seized on a couple of tenuous signals for hope about a possible end to the war.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
This minimizes overlap and ensures that each signal remains distinct at the receiver.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
Twins manager Derek Shelton was ejected by umpire Chris Segal in the 9th inning for arguing that Orioles closer Ryan Helsley didn’t immediately signal his ABS challenge, which changed a Josh Bell walk to a strikeout.
—Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
That funding signals institutional willingness to underwrite projects that are embedded in the EU’s industrial goals.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
-
For 10 minutes, Boyd took in the scene as the flags whipped above the center-field scoreboard, Cubs infielders took grounders and stadium workers finished final preparations before 39,712 fans streamed into the ballpark.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
In 2025, lawmakers passed a bill banning state and local governments from flying most flags, including, notably, the Pride flag.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Hojgaard and defending champion Min Woo Lee (67) chose to stay back on their way to the 18th green to give Woodland the stage to himself, a gesture rarely seen outside the majors.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
In addition to tilt and pressure sensitivity, the Apple Pencil Pro adds squeeze and delete functions to the palette, along with a new barrel roll gesture and haptic vibrational feedback.—
Cierra Cowan,
PC Magazine,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Shawn Iles, 3rd, was also poised to reject the proposal before Burns’ motioned to table the discussion.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The photographer motioned her over, and took her picture.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Tarris Reed, the regional’s most outstanding player, scored 26.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Shawsheen Tech wrestling star and Billerica resident James Tildsley finished fourth in the 152-pound division to cap one of the most outstanding high school careers in Massachusetts history.—
Barry Scanlon,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Dozens showed up to the Capitol on Tuesday, where advocates made speeches and attendees held signs and flags.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Dozens flocked to City Hall, wielding signs and voicing pleas for Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty, Sacramento City Manager Maraskeshia Smith and other council members to halt construction.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Passing motorists provided a continuous honking noise, often waving to the protesters.—
Paul Eisenberg,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The traditional Palm Sunday procession normally sees tens of thousands of Christians from around the world walk from the Mount of Olives down the narrow, hilly streets toward the Old City, waving palm fronds and singing.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
About Christopher Jackson Jackson has built a distinguished Broadway career spanning nearly three decades.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Each episode offers intimate, in-depth conversations with distinguished voices from across the literary landscape—about their lives, their work, and the ideas that shape both.—
Jarrett Earnest,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Restaurant owners express elation, hoping the prestigious nod will elevate their cultural heritage and inspire others to seek out authentic cuisines.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Barnes International launched a similar division in 2023 to offer yacht brokerage, management, and charter services alongside its global portfolio of prestigious properties.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
