1
as in flags
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in gestures
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 motions
to direct or notify by a movement or gesture
signaled the oncoming traffic to stop while the wrecked car was being towed away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of signals
Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
In the meantime, CEOs can find signals that point to a weakening employment from private data sources.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025
New signals, crosswalks and bike infrastructure could be complete by 2026.
—Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Oct. 2025
Prolonged radiation and geomagnetic activity can interfere with GPS networks, disrupt radio signals and damage spacecraft.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Sometimes, the lawn will give signals that aerating is needed.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Following on from moves announced last week, removing the QFI program signals that Saudi Arabia is getting serious about taking steps to attract foreign cash, even if the latest announcement sparked some confusion.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
But in a twist, strong economic signals could actually keep the Fed from cutting rates, reining in market bulls.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2025
The cost-effectiveness comes in part from not having to widen the road and reconfigure it to add signals.
—Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2025
The new theatrical venture, designed as part–album launch, part–experiential event, signals a typically Swiftian and extraordinary fusion of fandom and business acumen, arriving at the perfect moment to energize theaters nationwide after another lackluster post-pandemic year of returns.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations, these are typically corrected or mitigated during the inspection, according to the Sacramento County Food Inspection Guide.
—Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
The flirty blowhard with the goatee is a younger philosophy professor, Hank (Andrew Garfield), who signals their years of friendship (and maybe more) by propping his legs up against her on the couch.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
This kind of name-calling also signals a tendency to externalize and place blame, instead of looking inward at their own behavior.
—Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
For Azerbaijan, the framework signals an upgrade toward strategic partnership with Washington.
—Michele Crestani, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Beyond features, the deal also signals opportunities for cross-platform storytelling that can travel across borders and formats.
—Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Pluto direct in Aquarius signals transformation in your personal vision and social standing.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
Smith said there were times when the Eagles receivers didn’t catch Hurts’ pre-snap signals.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
In the meantime, CEOs can find signals that point to a weakening employment from private data sources.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025
New signals, crosswalks and bike infrastructure could be complete by 2026.
—Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Oct. 2025
Prolonged radiation and geomagnetic activity can interfere with GPS networks, disrupt radio signals and damage spacecraft.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Sometimes, the lawn will give signals that aerating is needed.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Following on from moves announced last week, removing the QFI program signals that Saudi Arabia is getting serious about taking steps to attract foreign cash, even if the latest announcement sparked some confusion.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
But in a twist, strong economic signals could actually keep the Fed from cutting rates, reining in market bulls.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2025
The cost-effectiveness comes in part from not having to widen the road and reconfigure it to add signals.
—Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
The development also signals growing opportunities for collaboration between the European and Australian space sectors, following Australia’s announcement this week to begin negotiations on a cooperative agreement with ESA.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2025
The new theatrical venture, designed as part–album launch, part–experiential event, signals a typically Swiftian and extraordinary fusion of fandom and business acumen, arriving at the perfect moment to energize theaters nationwide after another lackluster post-pandemic year of returns.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations, these are typically corrected or mitigated during the inspection, according to the Sacramento County Food Inspection Guide.
—Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
The flirty blowhard with the goatee is a younger philosophy professor, Hank (Andrew Garfield), who signals their years of friendship (and maybe more) by propping his legs up against her on the couch.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
This kind of name-calling also signals a tendency to externalize and place blame, instead of looking inward at their own behavior.
—Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
For Azerbaijan, the framework signals an upgrade toward strategic partnership with Washington.
—Michele Crestani, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Beyond features, the deal also signals opportunities for cross-platform storytelling that can travel across borders and formats.
—Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Pluto direct in Aquarius signals transformation in your personal vision and social standing.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signals
Noun
-
The first infraction negated an interception by safety Jevon Holland, as cornerback Deonte Banks dragged wide receiver Chris Olave to the ground, prompting multiple flags.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
How long will flags be at half-staff in Wisconsin?—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In the real world, this could look like strengthening a partnership through thoughtful gestures, receiving a windfall of support from family or finding joy in everyday rituals that suddenly feel sacred.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Each leg incorporates six DoF, complemented by additional arm and waist flexibility, allowing Oli to perform complex, ballet-like gestures with balance and precision.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But there have been signs that Kim has spent months preparing for a major parade in the capital Pyongyang, potentially at night and involving tens of thousands of people, according to the South Korean military.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
9 Oct. 2025
-
The researchers also uncovered signs of immune and inflammation pathways involved in the disease, which could help guide treatment in the future.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In Los Angeles, Justin Bieber takes the court for some basketball, a pregnant Cardi B waves her arms and Glen Powell and Peyton Manning are all smiles at the Chad Powers premiere.—
Brendan Le,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
-
After the Hunt star Andrew Garfield waves to attendees of the red carpet premiere of the film in Venice on Friday.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Signals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signals. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.
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