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 council’s motion to continue directs staff to incorporate concerns around parking, drainage and privacy as explicit conditions in the loan agreement when the item returns in June. Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026 If a party files an ordinary motion to dismiss, that might be the 300th time the court has seen that motion and so needs no education as to what that motion is all about. Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Verb
The last time came with 60 seconds left and the Rockets up five, when Udoka motioned for 21-year-old Reed Sheppard and 23-year-old Amen Thompson to come his way for a quick gathering while the Lakers’ Austin Reaves was at the free throw line. Sam Amick, New York Times, 1 May 2026 Video footage shared online at the time showed that Queen Camilla motioned for Kate Middleton to move with a subtle sweep of her hand a few moments after the Princess of Wales joined the Queen's conversation with Melania during the official welcome at Windsor Castle. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motion
Noun
  • The closures stop halfway down and transition into a slit, allowing for plenty of movement, and shoppers appreciate that the midweight denim feels sturdy while still offering a comfortable bit of stretch.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 25 May 2026
  • Plus, the adjustable shoulder straps help alleviate shoulder pressure and minimize bouncing during movement.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026
Verb
  • Outside his home, on Buchanan Street near Mission Avenue, a handful of friends and neighbors gathered Monday alongside the road to wave the flag that Sheron so proudly displayed at his house.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026
  • Along the way, people lined sidewalks to wave American flags and quietly salute the motorcade carrying the soldiers’ remains, which had been unexpectedly unearthed at a construction site in 2019.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • Among the images are some depicting Merlin the magician shape-shifting into different forms and some of the tales of King Arthur and his knights.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
  • These included the amount of light emitted by different areas, as well as how fast the material in those areas was moving relative to the Earth, as determined by the red- and blue-shifting of hydrogen emissions.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Ryan Jeffers broke his hamate bone swinging and then watched two pitches go by before gesturing to the dugout.
    Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 20 May 2026
  • Still, after sticking Annie so deeply in the psychological trenches, gesturing to the light at the end of the tunnel is also welcome.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • Throw in Mateta’s desire to leave for Milan, a move which collapsed in the last few days of the winter window, and a sense of turmoil was prevalent.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Center fielder Alek Thomas and utility man Tyler Fitzgerald are also potential options that wouldn’t require a 40-man roster move.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • The lobby's bold colors and whimsical decor immediately signal that this is not your standard DC hotel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026
  • Even in tense moments of war, a bevy of women usually signaled peaceful intentions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • Your emotions may not have synced up with your recent identity shifts.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 23 May 2026
  • The narrative shifts when Rang learns that Messi is to play a friendly match in Mumbai, thousands of kilometers from his village, sparking an unlikely road trip for boy and dog.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • Economic sustainability that keeps residents here and even encourages relocation to this great community.
    Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
  • Kiruna is now in the midst of a decades-long relocation process, which was voted for in 2004 and is expected to be finished in 2035.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 25 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motion. Accessed 30 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