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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Conflicted, Wallen gestures at saying his worst is behind him while defending a right to remain a little wild.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
20 May 2025
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The crowd cheered wildly for Foster even as the actress kept gesturing towards Zlotowski, as if reminding the audience that this was the filmmaker’s moment to bask in the applause.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Rather than crying, the resilient bride smiled and waved at everyone as she was wheeled out of the party on a gurney, where guests gave her a grand exit at the back of the building with wedding sparklers.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
People.com,
23 May 2025
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Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms.—
Helena Wegner,
Sacbee.com,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Tucked away in the resort’s newest and most secluded area, Butler Villas feature design that nods to the natural beauty of Saint Lucia.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
30 May 2025
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The two-piece gown featured a sculpted bodice with a gentle curve at the neckline and a drop waist that nodded to early 2000s silhouettes.—
Karissa Mitchell,
Essence,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gesticulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gesticulate. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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