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
Relevance
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
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
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 gestures
Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Nicolás Maduro gestures while speaking after results were released following municipal elections in Caracas, Venezuela, in the early morning of July 28, 2025.
—Kristina Foltz, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Inspired by the French filmmaker Éric Rohmer, whose work Keith has admired for its ability to unearth profound truths in the smallest human gestures, Advisry’s latest offering channels that same subtlety.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 3 Sep. 2025
The Ada County Highway District said in a news release that in addition to profanities and inappropriate gestures, road-work crews have been subject to more dangerous driving behavior, including aggressive actions that have led to more police response — and even to criminal charges.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2025
The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is 30% off, giving you a bedside smart display that tracks your sleep, controls lights and music, and responds to simple hand gestures without needing to touch the screen.
—Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
Rise Of Micro-Gifting Micro-gifting—small, spontaneous digital gestures shared through social channels—is changing how consumers and brands connect.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Single or taken, this transit is fond of grand gestures and romantic experiences that resemble your favorite movie scene.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
These gestures, however, have not always been effective.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
Revord does the audio themself, and worked with a dialect coach to perfect British accents and learn how to act without facial expressions or gestures.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Nicolás Maduro gestures while speaking after results were released following municipal elections in Caracas, Venezuela, in the early morning of July 28, 2025.
—Kristina Foltz, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Inspired by the French filmmaker Éric Rohmer, whose work Keith has admired for its ability to unearth profound truths in the smallest human gestures, Advisry’s latest offering channels that same subtlety.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 3 Sep. 2025
The Ada County Highway District said in a news release that in addition to profanities and inappropriate gestures, road-work crews have been subject to more dangerous driving behavior, including aggressive actions that have led to more police response — and even to criminal charges.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2025
The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is 30% off, giving you a bedside smart display that tracks your sleep, controls lights and music, and responds to simple hand gestures without needing to touch the screen.
—Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
Rise Of Micro-Gifting Micro-gifting—small, spontaneous digital gestures shared through social channels—is changing how consumers and brands connect.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Single or taken, this transit is fond of grand gestures and romantic experiences that resemble your favorite movie scene.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
These gestures, however, have not always been effective.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gestures
Noun
-
According to the Mayo Clinic, the surgery involves cutting away thin layers of the skin until there are no signs of cancer.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
-
There are early signs that Alonso will bring the best out of him.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
After the Hunt star Andrew Garfield waves to attendees of the red carpet premiere of the film in Venice on Friday.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
-
In Lake Michigan, beach-goers from Manistee County south to Berrien County should beware of strong rip currents, waves up to 6 feet high and gusts reaching 25 knots (28 mph).—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The team tried to combat these challenges by first using breed-specific statistical AI models to capture variations in body shapes and postures.—
Mack DeGeurin Aug 20,
Popular Science,
20 Aug. 2025
-
Line judges often bring their own theatrical element to the sport with their distinctive voices, postures, and interactions with players but All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton said many of them understood that change would come.—
Shrivathsa Sridhar,
Reuters,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
Inspired by the familiar red, yellow and green signals that guide drivers on the road, this framework can help couples navigate the daily choices and turning points that shape their relationship.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
More recession signals were lurking in the latest jobs data.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gestures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gestures. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share