motion 1 of 2

Definition of motionnext

motion

2 of 2

verb

as in to wave
to direct or notify by a movement or gesture the referee motioned the team captains to confer with him on the sideline

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 motion
Noun
In granting that request, the court rejected a motion filed by Ohio State, which contended that the plaintiffs were only trying to draw Wexner into their case based on unrelated controversies. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Every room in the house had interactive features triggered by motion. Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
Roberts joked, motioning for the entire auditorium at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles to stand for her. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026 Taha, on the other side of the fire, checked its position and motioned for release. IEEE Spectrum, 24 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for motion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motion
Noun
  • The do-it-yourself movement is gaining a resurgence.
    Nolan Finley The Detroit News, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Fortunately for Fulham, the loose ball falls to their centre-forward, as the opposite movements of Jimenez and Sessegnon bamboozle Emmanuel Agbadou.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Supporters waved Taiwanese flags and held banners backing the submarine program.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Jan. 2026
  • In that one, police said the thieves waved guns and fired four rounds at the owner.
    Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Whether the global minimum tax will meaningfully reduce profit shifting remains an open question.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • The pain suffered by the son hovers like a dark spot, giant yet shape-shifting—and never quite revealing itself.
    Dan Sheehan, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The Grammys love the cred of gesturing to more interesting music than what ultimately flies.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
  • His guilt over a mysterious incident at a place called Filament Station and his capacity for violence as a survivor of the apocalypse are gestured at rather than explained, leaving Simon more vessel than hero.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Showcase Your Work to Senior Leadership Your first move is to get noticed by your boss’s boss.
    Chris Lipp, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The result is exaggerated price moves, especially in smaller precious metals markets, where relatively modest inflows can push prices sharply higher, making the rally feel detached from traditional supply-and-demand dynamics.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • This distinctive whistle is used in social interactions to maintain contact, coordinate activities and signal identity.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Analysts caution that the lack of transparency makes definitive conclusions difficult, yet say the pattern of removals itself signals a system under strain.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The model successfully reproduced multiple cycles seen during the satellite era, including the gradual shift of sunspots from higher latitudes toward the solar equator—a key indicator of how a cycle develops.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026
  • This cultural shift stems from several factors.
    Mari Sato The Dallas Morning News, Arkansas Online, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Some have found a groove again, writing in their temporary homes, while others have yet to return to their practice, consumed by the logistics of loss and relocation and out of step with their routines.
    Erica Zora Wrightson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
  • The board approved the relocation in 2023; the district has been facing long-term financial challenges and declining enrollment.
    Victoria Le, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motion. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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