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
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Recent Examples of gestures
Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
Housekeepers from top hotels shared the small gestures guests can make to help cleaning services be more efficient.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026
These gestures are a nice nod to Mars’ Puerto Rican background and a clever way to revive the super sounds of the Seventies in a style that’s in step with the way Latin pop has become such a vital part of today’s musical mainstream.
—Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2026
The florist-by-trade gestures behind her to hundreds of flowers contained in buckets — blue thistles, ivory anemones and calla lilies painted silver — all twisted and unfurling into the air.
—Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Guests will enjoy the experience free from disruptive behavior, foul language, obscene gestures, fighting, unruly conduct or inconsiderate actions.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Simple gestures like setting the table and choosing a feel-good, relaxed dress even just to stay at home are the starting points of her creative process.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, intimidation can happen through verbal comments, gestures or conduct that creates a hostile or uncomfortable environment for voters.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Feb. 2026
But [gestures around] might be the term of the decade.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
No stage director was listed in the program, but with singers on a stage extension in front of the orchestra, a few subtle gestures lent striking effects.
—Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
Housekeepers from top hotels shared the small gestures guests can make to help cleaning services be more efficient.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026
These gestures are a nice nod to Mars’ Puerto Rican background and a clever way to revive the super sounds of the Seventies in a style that’s in step with the way Latin pop has become such a vital part of today’s musical mainstream.
—Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2026
The florist-by-trade gestures behind her to hundreds of flowers contained in buckets — blue thistles, ivory anemones and calla lilies painted silver — all twisted and unfurling into the air.
—Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Guests will enjoy the experience free from disruptive behavior, foul language, obscene gestures, fighting, unruly conduct or inconsiderate actions.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Simple gestures like setting the table and choosing a feel-good, relaxed dress even just to stay at home are the starting points of her creative process.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, intimidation can happen through verbal comments, gestures or conduct that creates a hostile or uncomfortable environment for voters.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Feb. 2026
But [gestures around] might be the term of the decade.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gestures
Noun
-
Based on the appointment of the late supreme leader’s son as successor, there are no clear signs of an imminent regime change in Iran.—
Amena Bakr,
semafor.com,
9 Mar. 2026
-
For months now, real-estate developer Michael Shvo has been insisting that everything is just fine, despite troubling signs at his portfolio of trophy properties.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
With both courtesies and catastrophes refusing to conform, the canton’s school board, publishers, and clergy were forced to produce multiple editions of primers, textbooks, and catechisms; sometimes five parallel print runs were needed for a population the size of a town.—
Simon Akam,
New Yorker,
1 Dec. 2025
-
Leonora measures out her days in courtesies and slights, the former dominating the beginning of the book, the latter rapidly gaining ground.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
There was a rush of gesticulations, with Greenberg speaking in English.—
Robert Sullivan,
New Yorker,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Every now and again, a brand-new book waves its knowing hand.—
Scott Hocker,
TheWeek,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Dancer Natalie Reid approaches to take the barstool beside her, but Swift waves her away because the seat is reserved for her stone.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The settling of chairs subsided, people shifted into comfortable postures, some laid out on the carpet.—
Sofia Zarran,
Miami Herald,
7 Mar. 2026
-
These emotions have dominated cultural postures toward straight relationships since #MeToo, if not since the start of what Lora Kelley has referred to in this magazine as the era of the swipe.—
Lily Meyer,
The Atlantic,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Beirich, the extremism researcher, said the signals from the highest ranks of the Republican party from the White House — including social media posts echoing white supremacists messages — are being heard across the party.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
-
They are increasingly treated as ideological signals and political risks.—
Jacki Karsh,
New York Daily News,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gestures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gestures. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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