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
This story has been updated to clarify the time frame in which the strange radio signal was detected. Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 30 June 2025 The price signals are useless because the government prohibited them from being useful. The Editors, National Review, 30 June 2025
Verb
The bill now heads to the House, where some GOP lawmakers are already signaling major objections. Elena Moore, NPR, 1 July 2025 Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • For days, a small but critical faction of the Senate GOP conference had been raising major flags about the way this cut to states' Medicaid revenue might kneecap rural hospitals in their states.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 26 June 2025
  • Last year, he was arrested for joining with two accomplices in setting fire to American and Israeli flags outside the Israeli Consulate in Midtown.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • This act by her unsung hero felt like a gesture of forgiveness.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 June 2025
  • The gesture of the embrace is a simple but powerful moment, a symbol of closeness, friendship, love, and forgiveness.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The sitter motioned with her hands for the Sheltie to come with her to go outside.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
  • Morris also motioned for Gateway attorney David Middlebrook to be removed from the case.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • In 2012, Bates won her first Emmy Award, taking home outstanding guest actress in a comedy series for Two and a Half Men.
    Brendan Le, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • They’re spread across the United States and capture the remarkable variety that defines the country — from culture and food to history and outstanding natural beauty.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Choose salmon that looks moist as this is a sign of freshness.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • Dobson, who signed a max-term deal with a $9.5 million cap hit as part of a sign-and-trade to the Canadiens, has proven himself an explosive right-shot defenseman, especially on the power play.
    Rob Rossi, New York Times, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • The couple smiled and waved at the masses as they were escorted by bodyguards.
    Janelle Ash , Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
  • The flag appeared in the background during the halftime show’s broadcast, and viewers could see its holder jump from the stage and run across the field waving it.
    Matt Moret, New York Times, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • From September 25-28, the Windy City hosts Chicago Gourmet one of the nation’s most distinguished food festivals.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Developers feed their chatbot models on a torrent of material, much of it scraped from the web — everything from distinguished literary works to random babbling — as well as collections holding millions of books, articles, scientific papers and the like, some of it copyrighted.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • One starting point is seeking international students in the U.S. Students from around the world come to the U.S. to study AI and machine learning at prestigious schools.
    Sophie Alcorn, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The film recently received the prestigious Sydney Film Prize at the 72nd Sydney Film Festival.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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