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

Summary Matic, an innovative home robot, offers advanced cleaning capabilities by understanding voice commands and gestures in over 70 languages. — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Delta also added 10,000 SkyMiles to both your accounts as a gesture of goodwill. — Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026

Verb

As the cardboard burned, Yachua Mauricio Flores, 23, poured a liquid onto the flames, causing the fire to grow as Vega stood nearby and gestured toward the blaze, according to prosecutors. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

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