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
Some fans use that as the signal to get into their position. Andy Mitten, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 Investors are also looking to Fed Chair Jerome Powell for signals on the path of monetary policy, as global central bankers gather in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for the Fed’s annual economic symposium from Thursday to Saturday. Pia Singh,lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
Your involvement signals importance and helps drive adoption. Kelly Starman, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Leaders in New York, Indiana, Ohio, Florida and other states have all signaled a willingness to enlist in the redistricting fight. Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • What did Trump say in his executive order about flag burning?
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 26 Aug. 2025
  • He was photographed hugging a flag at the Conservative Political Action Conference in March 2019.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Its value isn’t in delivering more data, but in offering a meaningful signal—tracking gestures, shared rhythms, and interaction patterns to reflect the effort behind emotional presence.
    Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Culture shifts slowly, but steady gestures build momentum.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The singer, clad in black with bug-eyed shades gripping his face, motioned first to his left.
    Matt Sebastian, Denver Post, 29 July 2025
  • Curry grabbed at his hamstring after an offensive sequence in the second quarter of Game 1, motioned to the bench and left the game with 8:19 to go before halftime.
    Joseph Dycus, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Derek the outstanding chef, food and beverage supervisor and overall leader of the charge, came from Tao.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The documents viewed by The Tennessean do not make clear whether Ogles owes the law firms outstanding payments or is seeking reimbursement after already having paid them.
    Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The two were not wealthy, but were driving a Hyundai Grandeur, a car that was considered a sign of wealth at the time.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 15 Aug. 2025
  • It will be closely monitored for signs that the two leaders could take steps toward a peace deal or ceasefire.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Members of Arkansas Community Organizations, Arkansas Renters United and The People's Protests and Marches AR waved signs at passing cars outside Hill's Cantrell Road home around 4:30 p.m. Friday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Aug. 2025
  • But there’s a meaningful difference between a humanoid robot that can wave in a demo video and one that can reliably sew a button, deliver a package in the rain, or assist a senior citizen in the bathroom — all without human intervention or constant and expensive maintenance.
    Drew Bernstein, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The event will bestow the iconic BAFTA mask upon three distinguished honorees, marking only the sixth time that the BAFTA mask is awarded in the U.S., marking a significant milestone for BAFTA North America.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Friendly House will grant each honoree a separate award for their distinguished efforts and accomplishments.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Without a doubt, 2025 will stake its claim in history to this prestigious list of watershed years.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The bar menu is impressive, designed in partnership with Cartagena's El Barón, featured on the prestigious 50 Best Discovery list.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

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