1
as in sign
a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or feeling
a teenager who often shrugs her shoulders in a gesture of indifference
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in courtesy
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
sent a handwritten thank-you note as a gesture of his gratitude
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gesture
Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
The donation is the latest gesture of school spirit from Flanagan, who has previously given advanced screenings of his work to Towson University students in the Department of Electronic Media and Film, according to the school.
—Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2025
Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Some design elements hint towards modernity, while others gesture towards a period piece a few decades in the past.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Noun
The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority is giving Whiting’s Pierogi Fest an extra helping of sponsorship dollars this year, but the gesture likely won’t smooth over bad feelings between the SSCVA and the City of Hammond.
—Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
The donation is the latest gesture of school spirit from Flanagan, who has previously given advanced screenings of his work to Towson University students in the Department of Electronic Media and Film, according to the school.
—Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2025
Verb
While much of Carpenter’s music has gestured toward sexuality through euphemism, there’s a more obvious sentiment on display here.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Some design elements hint towards modernity, while others gesture towards a period piece a few decades in the past.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gesture
Noun
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Dobson, who signed a max-term deal with a $9.5 million cap hit as part of a sign-and-trade to the Canadiens, has proven himself an explosive right-shot defenseman, especially on the power play.—
Rob Rossi,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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If not, that might be a good sign a buyout isn’t for you.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
Noun
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The style’s timeless aesthetic and high-quality feel come courtesy of that leather upper with careful stitching, plus a traditional lace-up style and a supportive outsole carved with the map of Manhattan (harking back to Coach’s Big Apple identity).—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
25 June 2025
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See which breweries are near you, courtesy of CT Brewers’ Guild.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
24 June 2025
Verb
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The sitter motioned with her hands for the Sheltie to come with her to go outside.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 June 2025
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Morris also motioned for Gateway attorney David Middlebrook to be removed from the case.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
Realmuto slapped Castellanos on the butt after the home-plate umpire issued a rare double-safe signal.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
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Some legal experts interpreted that as a signal that the administration would not enforce EMTALA.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
20 June 2025
Verb
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The couple smiled and waved at the masses as they were escorted by bodyguards.—
Janelle Ash , Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
28 June 2025
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The flag appeared in the background during the halftime show’s broadcast, and viewers could see its holder jump from the stage and run across the field waving it.—
Matt Moret,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
Noun
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But Trump has yet to fully explain his sharp shift in posture, from determined dealmaker to potential participant in the attack on Tehran.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
19 June 2025
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But there's an obvious tension given the Trump administration's posture on diversity programs that the history will be accurately preserved by federal institutions and museums.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
19 June 2025
Noun
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Jumping off the bridge into the water is a summer ritual for thrill seekers of all ages, despite the warning signs that are posted nearby.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
27 June 2025
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The church’s ritual of confirmation, which marks the passage from adolescence into adulthood, also acquired legal status.—
Thomas A. DuBois,
The Conversation,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Eli Mintz, a Yiddish-theatre star, played Uncle David with a high, wheedling voice, his hands a blur of gesticulation, and the Goldberg children were portrayed by Gentile actors, including the endearing Arlene (Fuzzy) McQuade as the preteen Rosalie, a studious girl with a sleek bob.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
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Musk also has a history of doing weird gesticulations on stage.—
James Hibberd,
The Hollywood Reporter,
3 Sep. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gesture. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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