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

But the gesture that surprised him most, Salazar said, may have been the time that one of Fanara’s cooks couldn’t get to work because his car’s engine blew up. — Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Their creativity earned them a shoutout from Nicole Kidman herself, who was flattered by the playful gesture. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 14 July 2026

Verb

The company gestured toward the need for global coordination but offered no concrete plan. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 June 2026

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