Thesaurus results for SIGNALS

signals 1 of 2

noun

plural of signal

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

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

signals

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of signal

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

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 signals

Noun

For years, firms like Kpler have flagged thousands of instances of oil tankers in the Persian Gulf manipulating onboard Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals — the system used to track vessels in transit — to evade sanctions on Iranian oil exports. —

Matthew Chin, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026 That uncertainty looms in the air on Wall Street as investors try to navigate shifting signals from Washington. —

Jake Angelo, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026 See how the players use audio cues and tactile signals to round the bases and compete in America’s favorite pastime. —

Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026 Additional Federal Reserve signals While mortgage rates aren't directly tied to the federal funds rate, the Federal Reserve still plays an important role in the rate trajectory. —

Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026 This technology provides military vehicles, like fighter jets and some missiles, with systems that gather military information by tracking and analyzing enemy signals. —

Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026 There would be an angled crosswalk, and the area is already wired to accommodate pedestrian signals, Barry said. —

Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026 The team is developing a neuroadaptive control system that allows robots to pick up on signals from the human brain and adjust their actions instantly. —

Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026 Driving one signals taste and individuality. —

Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 19 Mar. 2026

Verb

With The Super Mario Galaxy Movie heading toward release, Black’s Tokyo appearance signals that the sequel’s promotional tour is shaping up to be every bit as entertaining as the first. —

Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026 Some have gone further, publicly chewing khat on the campaign trail, a gesture that signals solidarity and which has become something of a ritual in Kenyan electoral cycles, with aspiring leaders competing to demonstrate the sincerity of their commitment to khat farmers and traders. —

Joseph Maina, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026 With the Tokyo photo call now generating buzz around the world, Black’s Bowser onesie moment signals that the energy surrounding The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is only building. —

Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026 Ghalibaf’s rise signals a shift toward the Revolutionary Guard’s more uncompromising elements effectively running the country. —

Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026 While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations. —

Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026 However, if the Fed signals further cuts ahead or adopts a more dovish tone in its April communications, that alone could shift market expectations. —

Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026 While report language is not enforceable by law, it is commonly used as leverage that signals congressional intent and puts agencies on notice — those that ignore it risk a harder time justifying their budgets to the same committee next year. —

Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026 The focus on lasers signals a shift toward cost-effective interception. —

Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for signals

Noun

His mother’s apartment is also filled with American flags.

— Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
Our journey culminates in a gathering around the ceremonial South Pole, candy-cane striped and flanked by international flags—the symbolic marker of where all lines of longitude meet (the geographic South Pole is several feet away and must be moved every year due to geology).

— Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2026