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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gesture
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
Ultimately, the best celebration isn’t found in a grand gesture, but in an enduring tradition of conflict-free stability.
—Rebecca L. Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Neil Flanagan, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Though Washington is revered today, his position was extremely fragile at the time, Kesten said, gesturing at an image of a painting of von Steuben and Washington.
—Amanda Rosa
updated April 28, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Noun
Recently shown off by Leviathan Engineering, the project brings Rocky—the smart, spider-like alien from the book—to life with moving limbs, speech recognition, and gestures that look just like the character fans remember.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
Ultimately, the best celebration isn’t found in a grand gesture, but in an enduring tradition of conflict-free stability.
—Rebecca L. Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Verb
Virtually every modern presidency has understood this, leaning into discretion and gesturing toward transparency even as new security measures have been unfurled over time.
—Neil Flanagan, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Though Washington is revered today, his position was extremely fragile at the time, Kesten said, gesturing at an image of a painting of von Steuben and Washington.
—Amanda Rosa
updated April 28, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gesture
Noun
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Other factors, including scars, bruising, ligature marks and signs of malnutrition, supported evidence of long-term abuse, the warrant affidavit said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
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Many of the victims of Saturday's attack were reportedly from a village near the town of Cajibío, where a vigil was held Monday, with hundreds of people dressing in white as a sign of peace.—
Frank Andrews,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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It should be noted, though, that those goals came from the second power-play unit courtesy of McLeod and Bowen Byram.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
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There’s more aerodynamic downforce courtesy of wild new body extensions, with louvers on the front wheel arches (presumably to let air escape the wheel well), a larger rear wing, new underbody diffusers, and aerodisc rear wheels.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Thunder guard Alex Caruso then walked to the officials and motioned for a technical foul, arguing Booker had flipped the ball at Williams on purpose.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2026
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Attorney Lynn Johnson stood before jurors in a Kansas City, Kansas, courtroom Tuesday afternoon and motioned to a metal device on wheels that was sitting in front of them.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Analysts said the decision could serve as a signal to founders about relocating sensitive technology overseas.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2026
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Transportation officials say the ongoing closures are part of an effort to modernize signals and improve the reliability of subway service, with work expected to wrap in 2027.—
Christina Fan,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The goldendoodle’s shoulder tap felt almost human in its politeness, and the woman’s response — smiling, breaking off a piece and blowing on it — felt effortlessly warm.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
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When talking to your peers, politeness is of paramount importance.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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McCollum stopped and waved the vehicle on.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
11 May 2026
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The decision by Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s camps to wave their white flags stunned gossip hounds captivated by their blockbuster legal battle, which left no shortage of reputational casualties for both.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2026
Noun
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The reason people use these keyboards is that the split layout promotes a more comfortable wrist and arm posture when typing.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
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The absorption of Wagner into the Russian Ministry of Defense has completely changed their posture, rebranded as the Africa Korps.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
10 May 2026
Noun
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Trueno spoke to Rolling Stone about his love for contrasting moods, his collaboration with emerging rapper Milo J, and the downtime rituals that keep his sanity intact.—
Ernesto Lechner,
Rolling Stone,
9 May 2026
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Having something reliable that travels with me and supports my well-being has become an essential evening ritual.—
Jenny B. Fine,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gesture. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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