Synonyms of gesture

gesture 1 of 2

noun

ˈjes-chər 

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

• sign
• signal
• posture
• wave
• gesticulation
• mime
• pantomime
• motion
• shrug
• indication
• body language
• beck
• sign language
• flourish
• beckon

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

• courtesy
• politeness
• ritual
• ceremony
• formality
• manners
• attention
• etiquette
• pleasantry
• civility
• kindness
• greetings
• amenity
• rules
• rite
• form
• decorum
• observance
• honors
• respects
• grace
• regards
• proprieties
• protocol
• kindliness
• addresses
• favor
• mores
• devoirs

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

• motion
• wave
• signal
• flag
• nod
• sign
• beckon
• tell
• gesticulate
• pantomime
• mime
• inform
• shrug
• signalize
• advise
• flourish
• relate
• acquaint

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gesture

Noun

As a third control option beyond the buttons and the touch screen, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 supports one-handed gestures. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026

When Greenspan agreed to the project Tesla CEO Elon Musk hadn’t yet performed his gesture widely likened to a Nazi salute. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

Verb

Usher then gestured for the fan to be removed from the stage. — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026

The novel also alludes to contemporary examples of violence in the country’s current, democratic system, gesturing to the ways in which brutality persists in Brazil as state and corporate power continue to commit violence with near impunity. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026