gesture 1 of 2

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

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2

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

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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
However, quiet, hopeful gestures like those seen in the video more likely stem from a desire to feel noticed and included. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 Most fans are ecstatic, but one Madrid supporter gently makes a ‘calm down’ gesture. Tomás Hill López-Menchero, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Verb
Curated with care, the lineup honored the past, spotlighted the present, and gestured toward the future. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 15 Apr. 2025 Full denuclearization, as Trump has gestured at, is too much to expect. Rose Gottemoeller, Foreign Affairs, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gesture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gesture
Noun
  • Auto advertisers are seen having a tough time trying to figure out how to sell both electric and traditional vehicles, and retailers, restauranteurs and others are all waiting for more concrete signs of how the economy will move.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 11 May 2025
  • Allowing imperfection to show—rather than keeping up appearances—is both a sign of intimacy and a precondition for it.
    Rhaina Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Photo : Ryan Merrill, courtesy of RM Sotheby's This 280 SL hardtop convertible also came with a soft-top roof.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 9 May 2025
  • Scroll down to the bottom to check out a more comprehensive list of events and ideas, courtesy of the Connecticut Tourism Office.
    Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Noticing all this, Martín Maldonado motioned to the visiting dugout.
    Dennis Lin, New York Times, 8 May 2025
  • Curry attacked the lane and finished at the rim, but quickly reached for his leg and motioned toward the bench.
    Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • Allowing for correction is a signal that the system is responsive.
    Shiva Chandrashekher, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Among our brain’s communication signals are neurotransmitters.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • One of the evening's hosts then mentioned Jenner's name as Chalamet smiled and the camera switched to the make up mogul, who waved and clapped while flashing a huge smile.
    Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • And Jerry Grogan, from Indianapolis, is waving the Star Spangled Banner.
    Katie Primm, NBC news, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • This proactive posture helps minimize impact and protect business continuity.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • With a proud posture and hands on her hips, the structure is a headturner.
    Taryn Finley, Refinery29, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • In each iteration, the body of the deceased was pulled by livestock or carried by boat while mourners performed rituals to honor their lives and, in some cultures, to encourage safe passage for the spirit into the afterlife.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
  • Pope Leo’s election has instantly made the rituals of the Vatican feel a touch more familiar to Americans—and perhaps made the idea of holiness feel a touch more attainable.
    Christopher Hale, Time, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Musk also has a history of doing weird gesticulations on stage.
    James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
  • Darius was also quite good but went a little too over the top with his gesticulations to come off sincere.
    Charlie Mason, TVLine, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gesture. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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