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

Gottman’s research on repair attempts shows that small gestures during a fight, like a joke or an apology, can defuse escalation. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026

These ordinary conversations and small gestures, like listening or admitting mistakes, accumulate to define a leader's reputation and leave a lasting impression, far more than grand visions or formal reviews. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

As much as the couples appreciate the celebrities’ gestures, the stars often seem just as delighted to be included. — Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

Kruse did not hear the players say anything to the girls and could not identify which players made the gestures. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

The Spanish house’s Qixi campaign stars brand ambassador Jiang Qiming in three short films inspired by mime, exploring how affection is expressed through gestures, expressions and companionship. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 28 July 2026

But given the profundity of her subject matter and the near-universal awe her art inspires, perhaps this sense of futility gestures at the incomprehensible, even transcendent aura around Petviashvili’s works. — The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 28 July 2026

Earle is playing the girl everyone feels is on their side, in a time of fatigue with hollow gestures of political support. — Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

Modi’s gestures, pauses and mannerisms have been turned into viral edits that turn his own words into political jokes. — ABC News, 25 July 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