Thesaurus results for GESTURE

gesture 1 of 2

noun

ˈjes-chər

Definition of gesture

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

Relevance

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

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

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

The central midfielder appeared to sarcastically applaud supporters, before repeating the actions of pointing to the sky and then making an eye-pointing gesture towards the section of the stand, off camera, from where the chant appears to emanate. — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 These gestures come from the centuries-old Cambodian apsara dance form, which involves complex movements of the hands, wrists, and head. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 15 Sep. 2026

Verb

Trump gestured to new sod that had been laid around the helipad. — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 Diamondbacks pitching coach Brian Kaplan also grew animated and seemed to gesture toward Berry in the coach’s box. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gesture

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gesture

Noun

Venus in your daily-life zone connects awkwardly with Uranus in your sign, increasing your appetite for novelty, movement, or a different way of doing things.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
The Moon in your sign trines Chiron in your creative 5th house, encouraging you to show a side of yourself that isn’t polished for approval.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of sign

Verb

While Rincon faced Cole Carrigg in the sixth inning, Eddings halted the game with the count 2-0 and motioned to Cardinals catcher Leo Bernal, and Rincon adjusted his cap.

— Steve Berman, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
One person told police that Rodriguez was standing on the sidewalk outside the church when Rodriguez motioned for the person to fight him – after which Rodriguez approached and started swinging fists in his direction, according to court records.

— Harry Harris, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of motion

Noun

The optical signal then follows the original microwave excitation coherently.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
That signal broadcasts through the air to the nearest cell tower, where it gets channeled through a complex network of cables.

— Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of signal

Verb

The lingerers brought their dirty dishes to the bus tub, wiped their mouths one last time with a napkin, and waved to Cleo, their faces saying, Nice job!

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
Caleb Flynn waved him down and said his wife had been shot and the intruder was not in the house, the sergeant testified.

— Holly Yan, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of wave

Noun

His partner, six-time DWTS competitor Britt Stewart, speaks to him quietly, offering gentle direction and making tiny posture adjustments that instantly sharpen his moves.

— Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026
The excavations also uncovered part of a limestone stela depicting a prisoner with his body bent in a posture of submission and his hands bound.

— Ahmed Shawkat, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of posture

Noun

Last April, Phuwin appeared in a Loewe campaign based on Songkran, the Thai New Year’s celebration that has been likened to a nationwide water fight, though its rituals are meant to symbolize cleansing, reverence and good fortune.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026
Coffee, movement and recovery supply some of the rituals people associate with going out, like having a drink in hand, doing something together and meeting new people, without making alcohol the center of the event.

— Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of ritual

Browse Nearby Words

gestural

gesture

gestured

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gesture. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of gesture

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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