as in to gesture
to move your arms and hands especially when speaking in an angry or emotional way
He was gesticulating wildly during his speech.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gesticulate
On benches beneath a massive palm tree, a group of older gentlemen talked and gesticulated, umbrellas propped between their knees.
—
Gina Decaprio Vercesi, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2025
Here, Haaland is gesticulating for Bernardo to press.
—Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
With the Bucks 20 points down and just under four minutes on the clock, Antetokounmpo was driving towards the basket, attempting to fend off the Spurs’ defense, when Paul appeared to push the Bucks star who tumbled over and immediately began gesticulating and shouting.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
Few Democrats talk about impeachment or sustain their alarm over incipient fascism, even with Elon Musk possibly gesticulating like a Nazi.
—Ross Barkan, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gesticulate
Gina Decaprio Vercesi, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2025
Here, Haaland is gesticulating for Bernardo to press.
—Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
With the Bucks 20 points down and just under four minutes on the clock, Antetokounmpo was driving towards the basket, attempting to fend off the Spurs’ defense, when Paul appeared to push the Bucks star who tumbled over and immediately began gesticulating and shouting.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
Few Democrats talk about impeachment or sustain their alarm over incipient fascism, even with Elon Musk possibly gesticulating like a Nazi.
—Ross Barkan, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gesticulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gesticulate
Verb
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Bruce Springsteen gestures during a rally for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in Atlanta, Georgia, on Oct. 24, 2024.—
Kevin Breuninger,
CNBC,
16 May 2025
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Lord Grade, chairman of Ofcom, gestured to this when asked by lawmakers if the media regulator has any concerns about RedBird IMI’s interest in ITV.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
14 May 2025
Verb
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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
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And Jerry Grogan, from Indianapolis, is waving the Star Spangled Banner.—
Katie Primm,
NBC news,
9 May 2025
Verb
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In a statement, UC Regent Carmen Chu, who chaired the selection committee, nodded toward Milliken’s experiences amid challenging political terrains.—
Jaweed Kaleem,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
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Now, the interior design nods to the iconic – and vibrant – graphic designs associated with the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.—
Jackie Valley,
Christian Science Monitor,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gesticulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gesticulate. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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