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
The whole device costs just $50 to build and will help occupational therapists not only support their patients’ mobility, but also measure how range of motion changes over time. Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026 Soliman received permission to stay in the United States in February 2023 while his asylum application was pending, according to the motion, and received a work permit in March 2023. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 4 May 2026
Verb
The federal government intensified efforts to expand family detention indefinitely by motioning to terminate a cornerstone policy ensuring the protection of immigrant children in federal custody. ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026 Shawn Iles, 3rd, was also poised to reject the proposal before Burns’ motioned to table the discussion. Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motion
Noun
  • Like the republican project itself, the artistic movements of both Europe and America were a mashup of mutual influences.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • The Florida Legislature has recently made construction worker relocation easier, but deals with other states to allow the free movement of professionals could expand these benefits further.
    Maxwell Harden, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • Such a nightmare, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse waved the white flag and pulled most of his starting lineup with several minutes remaining in the third quarter.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 5 May 2026
  • On election night, thousands celebrated in the streets, waving flags and blasting music written by Orbán’s outspoken critics.
    Alexandra Levy, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • The conventions of American journalism don’t serve this shifting, multi-sided reality well.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Land borders dispute since 1948 The creation of the state of Israel in 1948, which led to the mass displacement of over 750,000 Palestinians and a subsequent Arab-Israeli war in 1948, led to a further shifting of borders in the region.
    Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Virtually every modern presidency has understood this, leaning into discretion and gesturing toward transparency even as new security measures have been unfurled over time.
    Neil Flanagan, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
  • Though Washington is revered today, his position was extremely fragile at the time, Kesten said, gesturing at an image of a painting of von Steuben and Washington.
    Amanda Rosa Updated April 28, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Richards will be activated ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Seattle Mariners at Rate Field, Venable said, and the Sox will make a corresponding move.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
  • Critics decried the move as another attempt by Republican election deniers to disenfranchise voters.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • As if the acquisitions of veterans Hollywood Brown and Dontayvion Wicks didn’t signal EVP/GM Howie Roseman’s intent to move on from Brown – likely next month, when the salary cap softens the team’s contractual hit – then certainly the trade up for Makai Lemon in Round 1 of the draft did.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 4 May 2026
  • Iran signaled an aggressive response to this latest bid to break its stranglehold over the strait, which has left global shipping at an effective standstill and sent energy prices spiraling.
    Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Aquarius January 20 – February 18 Plans with others shift, but something better can take shape from it today.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026
  • Uranus in your 4th House of Home can create a sudden shift in your personal environment or attention.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • Most fans understand that the need for more professional-caliber resources wasn’t going to be met under Mohegan Tribe ownership, but there is deep frustration over the Sun’s relocation out of New England.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Officials initially concluded that the relocation did not warrant strict controls.
    Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motion. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on motion

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster