Definition of gesturenext
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

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 refresh rate is dynamic, reaching up to 120Hz, and the panel offers 10-point touch for finger gestures. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026 Meta’s requirements focus on human interaction, including voice recognition, gestures, and eye contact, although the company says the collaboration is limited to internal research and experimentation. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
The league on Monday suspended line judge Jeff Seeman for two games for swearing at Arizona's Trey McBride and referee Adrian Hill for one game for yelling and gesturing at Minnesota's Eric Wilson. — CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 But jumping off the field throughout the game was enforcing linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who led the team with 12 tackles against his former club, gesturing and yelling at their sidelines throughout. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gesture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gesture
Noun
  • Three broadcasters also received security threats, in a possible sign the menace was spreading beyond the skies.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • But with Great America’s latest corporate owner, Six Flags, struggling financially after its merger with Cedar Fair, there have been clear signs that the park probably was going to close sooner rather than later.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The setting, conveniently located to visit countless attractions on foot, also offers a taste of the passing seasons with a glance out of the windows—courtesy of the scenic Shirakawa River flowing straight past the hotel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Photo courtesy of Elsberry Riding and Farm HeeHaw's owner, Hannah Michelle Israel, has said the donkey was gentle and had never behaved aggressively.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The former Cowboys star motioned to the drivers of the vehicles to tell them to slow down, and that’s when the dispute began.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Tight end John Bates lined up out wide to the far side, motioning to hurry up.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Those grafts improved metabolism, bone density, and other measures of health in mice, highlighting the role muscles play in producing chemical signals that benefit our health.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The signal’s efficacy also fades over time, meaning that a single long outing to the zoo or park may be less beneficial than multiple outdoor jaunts of at least 30 minutes each.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • There’s a certain kind of gentility and politeness, and then on the flip side, dark humor and grotesquerie.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Is the nation’s vaunted politeness actually just passive-aggressiveness?
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • So much so that, in Wild Horse Nine, Chris and Lee both stay there, picking fights with unsuspecting tourists and waving their guns around in the rooms.
    — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Naylor also acknowledged that pitchers ultimately have the final say as to what pitch gets thrown because pitchers can wave off the catcher's call in favor of a different pitch.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • On the one hand, this shows just how strongly officers accept the principle of civilian control—a posture reinforced precisely because Hegseth has proved willing to punish even unsupported allegations of military insubordination.
    — Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Qigong is a mind-body practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that uses slow movements, postures and breathwork to improve the flow of energy through the body, mind and spirit.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Her playlist doubles as a spiritual cleansing ritual, with Jhené Aiko providing affirmations and SZA reminding her that enlightenment won’t protect you from situationships.
    — Precious Fondren, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Slow beauty is the trend reshaping how younger shoppers buy skincare in 2026, swapping the 10-step routine for fewer products and more deliberate rituals.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gesture. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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