gesture 1 of 2

noun

ˈjes-chər How to pronounce gesture (audio)
Definition of gesturenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

gesture

2 of 2

verb

as in to motion
to direct or notify by a movement or gesture the police officer gestured me to the side of the road to tell me my headlight was out

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 gesture
Noun
As much as the couples appreciate the celebrities’ gestures, the stars often seem just as delighted to be included. — Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 In bodycam footage released by police from the early hours of March 19, 2025, Natland emerges topless from his room and mimes a shooting gesture at a firearms officer before being slammed against a wall. — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 29 July 2026
Verb
In an often charmless environment, these design-minded accessories can gesture towards excellent taste, even in a rental. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 20 July 2026 Gabriella’s dynamic with Lestat has been clouded all season by his own inability to understand it, though the show arguably could’ve done a better job to at least gesture toward what its protagonist couldn’t articulate. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gesture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gesture
  1. sign
  2. courtesy
  3. motion
  4. signal
  5. politeness
  6. wave
  7. posture
  8. ritual
Noun
  • In the absence of the guy who, for better or worse, has been the main character for the last four episodes, the action shows no signs of slowing down.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 28 July 2026
  • Some associations maintain little more than an entrance sign, while others oversee roads, pools, stormwater systems and other shared infrastructure.
    — Nora O'Neill July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026
Definition of sign
Noun
  • The doll exudes holiday glam in her floor-length, bold-red dress (reading as timeless and not tacky, courtesy of a sweetheart neckline, oversized bow detail, and voluminous skirt).
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • But Marchand didn't describe granting ESPN a few minutes of courtesy.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of courtesy
Verb
  • The hub of the spaceship was too crowded and chaotic for communication, so Frank Kuligowski motioned his pal to the peace of a nearby corridor.
    — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 26 July 2026
  • Hamrick said to his companion, motioning to a spot short of the summit.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Definition of motion
Noun
  • Especially for companies such as Samsung, which have been historically known for other capabilities such as hardware and devices, the investment in software, especially for healthcare, is an exciting signal for the industry.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • The signal degrades at every step along this journey, and the guessers have to do their best with some pretty warped data.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 July 2026
Definition of signal
Noun
  • Southworth started focusing more specifically on civility, decency, and politeness after COVID, when many employees were fleeing the hospitality industry—all while the membership at their clubs was doubling.
    — Hannah Seligson, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
  • The board member who survives every conversation about them has been preserved not by respect but by politeness.
    — Audrey Russo, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of politeness
Verb
  • The latter was down three times before the referee waved off the remaining time in the eight-round bout.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • Activists in pink balaclavas led by Nadya Tolokonnikova and other members of Pussy Riot, together with the feminist dissent group FEMEN, shot smoke flares and waved Ukrainian flags outside the Russian pavilion, chanting anti-war slogans.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of wave
Noun
  • But the default posture should be publicly declared, rules-based, and stable enough to plan around.
    — Ashish Bhatia, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • An inverse kinematics controller coordinates the movements of the legs, allowing the robot to adjust its posture and move in different directions.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026
Definition of posture
Noun
  • The uninitiated do not understand that the ritual is itself the gain.
    — Michel A. Ibrahim, Baltimore Sun, 25 July 2026
  • Each morning before Grays drops her now 2-year-old daughter off at daycare, the two share a ritual of positive affirmations.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
Definition of ritual

Browse Nearby Words

gestural
gesture
gestured
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gesture. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gesture

Nglish: Translation of gesture for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gesture

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