motion 1 of 2

noun

ˈmō-shən How to pronounce motion (audio)
Definition of motionnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 county and state agreed to give ICE an extra five weeks to respond to the lawsuit, and an extra month to respond to the motion for an injunction. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 In Monday night's motion seeking an immediate pause, the states said the companies may try to complete the process as early as July 22. — ABC News, 14 July 2026
Verb
Gary Belaria said, motioning toward the parking lot. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026 Officers were able to observe surveillance camera recordings which showed Moskovita motioning the girl toward him, then grabbing her hand and taking her into the restroom. — Logan Smith, CBS News, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for motion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motion
  1. movement
  2. wave
  3. shifting
  4. gesture
  5. move
  6. signal
  7. shift
  8. relocation
Noun
  • The critical moment took place before that, when the taker didn’t accurately perceive or interpret the movements of the ’keeper.
    — Geir Jordet, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • The approach is designed to reduce delays and improve data movement between chips, one of the growing bottlenecks in scaling AI workloads.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
Definition of movement
Verb
  • If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2026
  • The audience responded with even more energy, waving their cellphones and lighters in the air.
    — Rob Kenner, VIBE.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of wave
Noun
  • The shifting, changing elements and extreme variation is a foundational principle baked into the DNA.
    — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 1 July 2026
  • This resulted in a deliberate shifting of certain emphases, new characters being introduced, and other adjustments.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Definition of shifting
Verb
  • Conde didn’t touch that topic but found a way to gesture at the divide.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 15 July 2026
  • With Declan Rice racing back to cover, Sorloth took too long and was crowded out, leaving Haaland to gesture and point to where the ball should have been played.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of gesture
Noun
  • In a rare and unusual move, launch was called off right as Super Heavy began igniting its 33 engines.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • That includes Thursday's move, made seemingly for no reason, given the minimal improvement in the operating backdrop.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of move
Verb
  • Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026
  • Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2026
Definition of signal
Noun
  • All the players have put in a very tough shift so my thoughts and appreciation go to the players who were out there.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
  • That’s why ResMed customers are seeing big shifts toward offline meetups and community pages, which help build brand loyalty in a different way.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Definition of shift
Noun
  • He’s been dealt the difficult hand of overseeing a roster overhaul and the team’s temporary relocation to West Sacramento expected to run through next season, with his pitching staff struggling to be effective in the band-box of Sutter Health Park.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • DIYers who have experience with rewiring switches, moving light fixtures, or any other basic electrical work around the home will likely be okay to handle a thermostat relocation.
    — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 15 July 2026
Definition of relocation

Phrases Containing motion

Browse Nearby Words

motility
motion
motioned
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Cite this Entry

“Motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motion. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motion

Nglish: Translation of motion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motion

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