as in movement
the act or an instance of changing position
we were instructed not to make any sudden motions or we might scare away the deer
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motion
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Use a circular motion to clean the surface, and don't scrub too hard.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
On one second-quarter play, Colby Parkinson motioned from inline to outside of Puka Nacua, drawing cornerback Derek Stingley out to cover him instead of the Pro Bowl receiver.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motion
Noun
Combs' attorneys have opposed the government's motion, claiming Mia repeatedly lied during her testimony.
—Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Use a circular motion to clean the surface, and don't scrub too hard.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
After a few moments, the Queen motioned for Princess Kate to move with a subtle sweep of her hand.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
On one second-quarter play, Colby Parkinson motioned from inline to outside of Puka Nacua, drawing cornerback Derek Stingley out to cover him instead of the Pro Bowl receiver.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motion
Noun
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This cute crawling crab toy is 44% off and is the perfect toy for encouraging movement and exploration.—
Anja Webb,
Parents,
7 Oct. 2025
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In the final movements, Breaking Dawn — Part 2 does walk back its wilder elements, but retains much credit for consistently delivering jaw-dropping moments of shocking violence as well as comedy.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Many springs feature a visible boil at the water surface above the spring vent, crystal clear water, submerged grasses waving in the current, and a range of fish, turtles, snails and other aquatic animals hiding in the grasses.—
Christopher F. Meindl,
The Conversation,
3 Oct. 2025
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Students waved pompoms also in the school’s signature black and red as Wilson jumped for joy.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Look no further than Larroudé (every It-girl’s footwear retailer of choice nowadays) and its wide selection of shoe styles that are perfectly timed to the shifting of the seasons and your urgent need to make the style statement of the century.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
2 Oct. 2025
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Since starting Fulham’s season opener against Brighton & Hove Albion after a strong pre-season, King has become a key contributor to the side’s shape-shifting on the pitch with his relentless work-rate and clever movement out of possession, and tidiness with the ball.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Supporters witnessed players gesturing to each other in annoyance at misplaced passes or mistimed runs, fans let rip with their own nervousness as their side defended a 1-0 lead, and, most graphically, head coach Vitor Pereira was sent from the touchline after his own anxiety got the better of him.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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The rapper then gestured to his family and put on his glasses.—
Lauryn Overhultz , Tracy Wright , Maria Paronich , Kirill Clark,
FOXNews.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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No other products or services will be impacted, the agency said, noting the move is a strategic part of USPS’s 10-year plan to create a revitalized organization.—
Michelle Del Rey,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Oct. 2025
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The Dallas Stars are considering a move outside city limits when their lease at American Airlines Center expires in 2031.—
Rob Rossi,
New York Times,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Over and over, the department has used the threat of pulling federal funding to force compliance with new directives and rapid shifts in policy.—
Megan O’Matz,
ProPublica,
8 Oct. 2025
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This is fantastic for multitasking and can make the difference between finishing your workload and getting to it next shift.—
Jade Chung-Lee,
PC Magazine,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Even though there was a collection of quarterbacks to start games between the Bernie Kosar era and the 1996 relocation, this is where the quarterback wilderness count usually begins.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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According to a timeline laid out by the city, the relocation is set to take place this fall, and post-relocation care will be underway from 2025 to 2027 in order to help the tree stay alive.—
Jillian Frankel,
PEOPLE,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motion. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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