as in motioned
to direct or notify by a movement or gesture
beckoned the bashful child to come closer
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of beckoned
Early college enrollment beckoned, even if high school graduation hadn’t yet happened.
—
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
Returning to White’s home, residents beckoned Lincoln to give a speech from the front porch.
—George Castle, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Guido’s red leather booths sat the likes of Frank Sinatra, David Byrne, Tom Selleck and more, with neon signage and red leather booths that beckoned.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
As the start of the Christmas week beckoned, National Weather Service forecasters already were eyeballing the intense rain that was expected to soak the holiday in the Bay Area and Northern California.
—Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
After an eager and flattering fan (Donovan) appears on his doorstep, Saxberger is beckoned into a coterie of younger admirers who anoint him as a rediscovered genius.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 22 Dec. 2025
Advertisement For more than two decades after WWII, the United States beckoned Mexicans to move north to work in American agriculture.
—Time, 4 Dec. 2025
Extra time beckoned, penalties loomed, but up popped Brazilian winger Jaja to lob in a dramatic equaliser on the night and winner in the tie.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
But the classroom beckoned, and Pendleton turned to public education.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
Returning to White’s home, residents beckoned Lincoln to give a speech from the front porch.
—George Castle, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Guido’s red leather booths sat the likes of Frank Sinatra, David Byrne, Tom Selleck and more, with neon signage and red leather booths that beckoned.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
As the start of the Christmas week beckoned, National Weather Service forecasters already were eyeballing the intense rain that was expected to soak the holiday in the Bay Area and Northern California.
—Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
After an eager and flattering fan (Donovan) appears on his doorstep, Saxberger is beckoned into a coterie of younger admirers who anoint him as a rediscovered genius.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 22 Dec. 2025
Advertisement For more than two decades after WWII, the United States beckoned Mexicans to move north to work in American agriculture.
—Time, 4 Dec. 2025
Extra time beckoned, penalties loomed, but up popped Brazilian winger Jaja to lob in a dramatic equaliser on the night and winner in the tie.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
But the classroom beckoned, and Pendleton turned to public education.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beckoned
Verb
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Any chance at further punctuating his standing heading into the offseason vanished when McCarthy motioned over at team trainers following his first completion of the second half.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Strange, though, motioned inside to help block an all-out Denver blitz.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
24 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Trump put on one of the rings, flashed it to the cameras and waved his new hockey stick during the ceremony.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Frederic was due to be an unrestricted free agent and the Bruins waved the white flag on their playoff hopes.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Trump gestured to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials when asked who would serve as his proconsuls in Venezuela.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
3 Jan. 2026
-
McMillian, who was blitzing, gestured back at his would-be matchup — Washington — lined up in the slot.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
23 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Beckoned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beckoned. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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