Synonyms of gestures

gestures 1 of 2

noun

plural of gesture

1

as in signs

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

• signs
• gesticulations
• postures
• signals
• waves
• mimes
• pantomimes
• motions
• shrugs
• indications
• flourishes
• sign languages
• becks
• body languages
• beckons

2

as in courtesies

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

• courtesies
• manners
• ceremonies
• rituals
• attentions
• greetings
• formalities
• pleasantries
• rules
• rites
• amenities
• civilities
• etiquettes
• observances
• forms
• respects
• honors
• proprieties
• addresses
• regards
• mores
• protocols
• graces
• favors
• decorums
• devoirs

gestures

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of gesture

as in motions

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

• motions
• waves
• signals
• flags
• beckons
• nods
• signs
• tells
• pantomimes
• mimes
• gesticulates
• informs
• shrugs
• signalizes
• advises
• flourishes
• relates
• acquaints

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gestures

Noun

These have never been simply styles, but responses to conditions that demanded other forms, other gestures, other ways of seeing and saying. — Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

If physical gestures serve our relatives just fine, why did our own branch of the family tree gradually favor biological changes in our brains and anatomy that permitted our characteristic complexities in language and precision in speech? — Mike McRae 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026

One of Mercury’s most thoughtful gestures, Mack says, was when the singer visited his home and discovered that their toaster only handled four slices at a time. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

After both drivers made hand gestures at each other, the unidentified victim drove to a house in Poolville, and Jones followed, the release stated. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026

Tanvir gestures toward the Bari Imam shrine and the cafeteria where volunteers serve free food. — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026

Those small gestures often spark conversations that turn into lasting friendships, with some guests even booking future cruises together. — Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026

The moment taps a broader wartime tradition in Ukraine, where heroic dogs, cats and rescuers become national emblems — and American gestures of solidarity carry growing political weight. — Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

And when the clouds clear, people moonwalk through social-justice gestures. — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Verb

Health care executive Rick Jackson gestures to a supporter while qualifying to run for governor at the Georgia state Capitol last month. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 10 Apr. 2026