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
After the expungement denial, Tyler’s attorney, Tim Grace, filed an oral motion to seal the case, but that was also denied. Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 Last week, the company also grounded its $5-per-month Standby Mode for Starlink, removing the in-motion use. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
From her seat two rows behind the Republican leaders, Pavalock-D’Amato stood, turned around and motioned to her pro-ICE message. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026 The View producer Brian Teta got an eyeful — as did viewers at home — when three cohosts motioned toward their privates during a discussion about childbirth. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motion
Noun
  • These systems can detect naval mines and trigger them safely by mimicking the movement and acoustic signals of large ships.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Many key figures were associated with a movement known as the New Apostolic Reformation, which aims to establish Christian dominion over American society and government.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • At the time, Krauss, the author of several popular books on science, donned his scuba gear and dove down to wave at Hawking through the submarine's window.
    Scott Neuman, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026
  • As the match officials made their way off the pitch, Guardiola was planting a kiss on the cheek of his goalkeeper, James Trafford, and waving, almost dewy-eyed, towards the City fans in the most vertiginous parts of St James’ Park.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Her use of Auto-Tune and pitch-shifting won’t surprise anyone who’s heard either her solo records or her many collaborations with fellow Texas ambient composer claire rousay, but the context in which her voice is used might come as a shock.
    Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The administration has offered shifting rationales and timelines since the start of the conflict.
    Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Moments later, Hopkins gestured with his arm after draining a 3-pointer.
    CBS New York Team, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
  • As the deep bass from the DJ’s techno beats shook cups of cocktail sauce on a nearby table, Koc, a software engineer by day, gestured to the hundreds of OpenClaw disciples on the dance floor and argued that the excitement was more than just a passing fad.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Several news outlets have reported that the Justice Department is examining possible federal charges against officials within Cuba’s government, a move that could prompt a change in the island’s government.
    Ana Ceballos Follow, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • In simulations, one robotic arm performs the repair task while the other moves strategically to cancel out motion.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Los Angeles World Airports officials signaled openness to delaying implementation until after the Skylink train opens, citing affordability concerns.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Iran’s selection of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s son as the next supreme leader signals continuity in Tehran’s stance and little shift in its approach to the war.
    Marcus Wong, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • On the opening shift, Boldy got the puck at the far blue line, weaved though a few Rangers defenders and fired through a screen to beat the New York goalie just 35 seconds into the period.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026
  • However, the Stryker disruption may signal a shift toward more aggressive actions targeting corporate infrastructure.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The company said that the relocation will begin at the end of 2026 and last until the end of 2028.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
  • In Patagonia’s mountains, Adelaida, the last of a Chilean indigenous people, resists relocation as a mining project threatens her ancestral land.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motion. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on motion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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