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

One of the Blue Jays' latest dugout celebrations appears to be a hand gesture without a clear origin. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Jackson then allegedly drove over into another lane and swerved at the victim, while using an obscene hand gesture. — Kansas City Star, 7 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