signal 1 of 3

Definition of signalnext
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
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
  • Unlike Apollo, which focused on fast flags and footprints in a breakneck race against the Soviet Union, Artemis is striving for a sustainable moon base elaborate enough to satisfy even the most hard-core science fiction fans.
    Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The Baltimore design reflects that identity, blending Maryland flag colors with deeper design elements meant to mirror the city’s personality.
    Michael Howes, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 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
  • Saudi Arabia is using its East-West pipeline, which stretches from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, to transfer about 5 million barrels per day out of the Gulf, said Michael Lynch, distinguished fellow at Energy Policy Research Foundation, a non-partisan institution focused on energy and economics.
    Cathy Bussewitz, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Advertisement Curtis Bradley, a distinguished service professor of law at the University of Chicago, told TIME that there is, at least, some precedent, citing President Jimmy Carter's withdrawal from a mutual defense treaty with Taiwan in 1978, which was formalized in 1980.
    Tiago Ventura, Time, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • He is also given the opportunity to return to his former employer, the prestigious hedge fund Bailey Russell.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026
  • But in the championship game of the prestigious city tournament that January, Davis entered the game and took four charges.
    Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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