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

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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

Conley, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, dismissed the case without prejudice for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and granted the defendants’ sanctions motions. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026 The documentary reality of Ryan’s life leans on observational verité techniques, with the camera often placed at an unobtrusive distance and following their freewheeling motions. — Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026 Creeden filed a motion for the continuance on Thursday, saying the probation office hadn’t yet released its draft presentence investigation report and that the court hadn’t yet ruled on his motions for acquittal and for a new trial. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 With the brush in hand, make circular motions on the surfaces, breaking up any chalky residues and removing bacteria. — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 31 Aug. 2026 Work in circular motions, avoiding excessive force so as not to damage the mesh. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026 At the University of Mississippi, a video went viral of a Black woman surrounded by white students and the white students mimicking ape-like motions toward the woman and making monkey-like calls. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 This includes interpreting standing rules and precedents, advising on the wording of motions, helping formulate statements, and answering parliamentary inquiries or points of order. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 In the motions, Kohberger asked for Fourth Judicial District Judge Steven Hippler to be disqualified and for his post-conviction proceeding to be moved out of Ada County. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 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

Neither of those movements were recorded as dribbles by Opta, but his final flourish past Rohl in the 64th minute did get classed as one.

— Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Over the past century, feminist movements in France have also successfully pioneered campaigns for women’s suffrage, reproductive rights and greater gender equality.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 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

Noun

But in an era when only six of the 20 teams spent under £100million this summer, those bargain-basement deals have given way to big-money moves.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
That was the year, after going all-in with blockbuster moves before and late in the season, the Rams won Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026