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
Yasmin puts that mission into motion by meeting with Henry’s uncle Alexander to tell him about Henry’s drug use and infidelity. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026 Learning what’s working while the project is still in motion, not after its release. Matthew Henick, Variety, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
As Kupp motioned to the other side of the formation, corner Josh Wallace followed him all the way across, which gave Darnold a major man tell. Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2026 Mims motioned from the right slot to outside on the left. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motion
Noun
  • The humanoid is also seen performing controlled forward slips before smoothly getting back on its feet with movements that closely resemble human motion.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The Year of the Horse represents a period of intense energy, rapid change, and bold and independent movement.
    Staff report, Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This photograph shows European countries’ flags waving in front of the European Parliament building in Strasbourg, eastern France, on June 6, 2024.
    Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Ajax supporters have responded by waving Israeli flags, even though many of their players are of African, Moroccan, or even Japanese descent.
    Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Tuck thick layers of dryer lint between and around fragile items to pad them from any shifting of the box’s contents.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Either way, Meloni has mastered political shape-shifting, becoming a bridge between nationalist and mainstream Europe.
    Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Everyone sat down around a fire pit, except for Land, who stood, face lit from below, gesturing and swaying.
    James Duesterberg, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Sister Proba gestured for the woman to take a seat.
    Danielle Parker, CBS News, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Takaichi suggested in November that Japan may take action if China makes a military move against Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The move comes as the maker of Nespresso and KitKat bars looks to boost sales and simplify its sprawling operations under new CEO Philipp Navratil.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Analyst Brian Nowak lowered his price target to $5,500 from $6,150, though the new forecast still signals a gain of 42%.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Even as Weiss touted the changes before staffers — her first major move since assuming the reins in October — the executive signaled the need for the Tiffany Network to change.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For consumers, that makes the likely shift in car lots more gradual, with more trucks and SUVs, stronger hybrid emphasis, and a potentially slower EV ramp-up as automakers take time to recalibrate.
    Julian Torres, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
  • For years, scientists have struggled to understand how changes in chemical composition at the core of a red giant connect to shifts seen at the surface.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In certain countries, including Portugal, Spain and Greece, digital nomad visas are a stepping stone into a more permanent relocation, helping people meet the residency requirements.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Our relocation specialists have an attention to detail and the highest quality standards.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motion. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

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