MOTIONS Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

motions 1 of 2

noun

plural of motion

as in movements

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

motions

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of motion

as in waves

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 motions

Noun

Slowly roll the neck in each direction, then place fingers on the center of the chest and make circular motions with the elbows to open the chest and shoulders. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026 Many of the case dismissals granted motions to dismiss filed by Elias Law Group on behalf of the intervenor-defendants. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026 While some participants pressed buttons to learn, others did MUCH bigger motions – like swinging a lightsaber to hit the stripes, or punching a response box in front of them. — Emily Kwong, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026 In the wake of the mistrial, Reddington has made several motions seeking to prevent a retrial. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026 Because going through the motions for three quarters is a recipe for disaster, even if the Knicks were the comeback kids all through their NBA Finals run. — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026 Using a soft cloth, toothpaste, or sponge, simply rub the toothpaste in small, circular motions for a few minutes. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 30 Oct. 2026 Grind the stump using side-to-side motions Set the stump grinder in place with its cutting wheel over the stump, then fire it up and slowly lower it down. — Steven John, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2026 The judge has yet to rule whether the dismissal motions are now moot. — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2026

Verb

Luz, the group’s search leader and spokesperson for the day, immediately motions with her hand for the group to drive forward. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motions

Noun

In the original cartoons, produced and directed by the Fleischer Brothers, Max and Dave, every cartoon makes broad, elastic, sweeping movements, often to peppy jazz scores.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026
The robot does the physical work while a person controls its movements from a safer location.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of movements

Verb

Picture a doorman who checks your ID with great care, then waves you into any apartment in the building.

— Julian Durand, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
The Spa At the beach-level spa, the windows were left wide open during my 60-minute Salt Air Reset massage, making all-natural birdsong and waves the soundtrack of my treatment.

— Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of waves

Verb

Health care executive Rick Jackson gestures to a supporter while qualifying to run for governor at the Georgia state Capitol last month.

— Adam Beam, AJC.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Visit some wineries and the old tomato-canning factory at Vlychada, a museum that gestures both to an old family industry and also to contemporary art.

— Timothy O'Grady, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2019

Definition of gestures

Noun

Oil market shifts to surplus despite disruptions Global oil markets have shifted to a supply surplus, despite months of disruption caused by the war in the Middle East.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 9 Nov. 2026
My Beloved is immediately reminiscent of similar shrewd shifts that Kings of Leon’s presumptive peers have undergone during the 2020s.

— Larry Fitzmaurice, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2026