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
  • Boise also added a flag promoting organ donation to its collection of official city flags.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 8 May 2025
  • The third victim had an Israeli flag draped around his shoulders and was wearing a hat with the flag and a chain with a Jewish star.
    Elizabeth Pritchett, FOXNews.com, 8 May 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
  • The Wall Street investment bank estimated that Berkshire’s T-bill position has more than doubled over the past year, adding that the $314 billion stake as of the end of March accounted for 5% of all outstanding short-term government bills.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 11 May 2025
  • Like every successful side in these early years of the World Cup, Uruguay 1950 had an outstanding centre-half in Varela, who was physically dominant and also a key attacking weapon.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • So Like most Taurus signs, Daphne is bullheaded and controlling regarding her three daughters — especially Milly.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 11 May 2025
  • Allowing imperfection to show—rather than keeping up appearances—is both a sign of intimacy and a precondition for it.
    Rhaina Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • One of the evening's hosts then mentioned Jenner's name as Chalamet smiled and the camera switched to the make up mogul, who waved and clapped while flashing a huge smile.
    Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • And Jerry Grogan, from Indianapolis, is waving the Star Spangled Banner.
    Katie Primm, NBC news, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Udit Mehrotra is a distinguished product leader who currently serves as Head of Product Management for Customer Experience at Amazon Canada.
    Udit Mehrotra, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • Cruise will be honoured by the BFI on Monday with the awarding of a distinguished BFI Fellowship.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • The team has permitted Derice, a two-time winner of the prestigious BART scouting award, a chance to pursue new opportunities, according to Neil Stratton of Inside The League.
    Pat Leonard, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
  • Relationships with prestigious cellars lead to special bottle acquisitions.
    Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

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