as in waved
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motioned
On the other end of the court, Bulls coach Billy Donovan motioned for a timeout the moment the whistle blew.
—
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
That’s when Washington’s Department of Health motioned for and received an Order of Default against Montano.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
After some discussion, Council Vice President HwaJeong Kim motioned to deny the contract extension.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026
Rush said, then motioned to their son.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
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
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
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
That’s when Washington’s Department of Health motioned for and received an Order of Default against Montano.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
After some discussion, Council Vice President HwaJeong Kim motioned to deny the contract extension.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026
Rush said, then motioned to their son.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motioned
Verb
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Mazzulla waved the white flag just past the midway point of the fourth quarter, sending in deep reserves Luka Garza and Dalano Banton to close out the game.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
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Dre entered my field of vision and waved at me.—
Andrew Norman Wilson,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Somewhere to the north, Lilian gestured, and Jeremy provided the prison’s name.—
Yiyun Li,
New Yorker,
1 Mar. 2026
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Richter — who, like Cantor, had spent her entire career here, first as a research mathematician and then, after retiring, as a lecturer on the history of mathematics — gestured for Goos to sit.—
Joseph Howlett,
Quanta Magazine,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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There’s no better way to unwind than to connect with nature, especially if that involves being in the mountains, which have beckoned centuries of travelers to experience a slower pace.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
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The board beckoned Iger back in November 2022 to quell a revolt by senior Disney executives and allay concerns among investors.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motioned. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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