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
Time,
Time,
1 July 2026
The gesture signals an order for complete silence, a search technique that emerged during the 1985 Mexico City earthquake and was later formalized by the Topos.
—
Fernanda Pesce,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
Avery Schmitz,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
In winning an argument (while preserving the relationship), the way to be heard is not to yell louder and gesture bigger but to take a breath and make room for silence.
—
Joelle Jay,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Noun
The architect is not one of those people who needs to speak loudly or make grand gestures to be heard.
—
Time,
Time,
1 July 2026
The gesture signals an order for complete silence, a search technique that emerged during the 1985 Mexico City earthquake and was later formalized by the Topos.
—
Fernanda Pesce,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
Verb
The launch tubes themselves don’t appear to be loaded, but the men carefully adjust the angle of the launcher, gesturing to each other with colored flags.
—
Avery Schmitz,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
In winning an argument (while preserving the relationship), the way to be heard is not to yell louder and gesture bigger but to take a breath and make room for silence.
—
Joelle Jay,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gesture
Noun
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The housing bill, formally called the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, can still become law if Trump neither signs it nor vetoes it in 10 days, excluding Sundays.
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There are signs all around Preston Hollow opposing the project.
Noun
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More than 30,000 complimentary Dasani water bottles will be distributed to fans entering through the First Base, Third Base and Left Field gates, courtesy of Liberty Coke Bottlers.
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The statue’s creation is already underway courtesy of local sculptor Ben Victor.
Verb
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In security footage obtained by ABC 13, the officer, alleged to be Carrico, is seen motioning the woman to take a seat; the woman complies.
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Luz, the group’s search leader and spokesperson for the day, immediately motions with her hand for the group to drive forward.
Noun
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Swollen or tender nodes at the neck, armpits or groin signal that the body’s filtration sites are overloaded or actively fighting something, per Cleveland Clinic.
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The website tracks only vessels with active transponders, meaning additional ships may have crossed with their signals switched off.
Noun
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The board member who survives every conversation about them has been preserved not by respect but by politeness.
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Good bathroom etiquette here is less about politeness than safety, since a crowded aisle is something the crew would rather avoid.
Verb
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As recently as May, Tesla’s X account posted an ad showing drivers with their hands off the wheel, goofing off while waving their fingers in the air or sipping a hot coffee from a ceramic mug with two hands.
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Argentina fans celebrated in the concourse of AT&T Stadium with roaring chants, flag waving and dancing.
Noun
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That proactive posture is worth a fortune.
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Bartlett’s posture is ramrod straight, his voice a pleasant, precise British lilt that’s nothing like his natural Australian accent.
Noun
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Toni and Shakira appeared to be in trouble after one of the show’s most meta humiliation rituals, in which the group is treated to a showing of clips of themselves having private conversations about their castmates and lovers.
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Because Capricorn is an Earth sign, Thomas shared rituals connected to nature may feel especially powerful during this lunar phase.
Cite this Entry
“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gesture. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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