motions 1 of 2

Definition of motionsnext
plural of motion

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
Auburn’s tempo and pre-snap motions were wrinkles that caught Vanderbilt by surprise. Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025 However, Johnson said the government could argue the facts were needed to support their 13 motions for limits on testimony. John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025 Tradeoffs that favor continuous, lower-force tasks in civilian settings rather than explosive athletic motions. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025 Paer denied the defense’s request for probation, as well as motions to reduce the conviction to voluntary manslaughter and for a new trial. Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025 Attorneys for Zwerner and Parker are due to meet Friday morning for post-trial motions. Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025 Levine said such motions should be granted if there is a change in the individual migrant's case, not a change in immigration policy. Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 6 Nov. 2025 What Happens Next The case will move through preliminary motions in federal court, where the Education Department is expected to seek dismissal on grounds of sovereign immunity. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025 The case is not over, as there are motions pending before the court, and Nicklaus Companies can appeal the decision. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motions
Noun
  • Even more dangerous are sudden movements in such instances.
    Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Resisting Europe’s current trajectories through supporting patriotic European movements aims to restore civilizational confidence and true alliance vitality.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In Los Angeles, Justin Bieber takes the court for some basketball, a pregnant Cardi B waves her arms and Glen Powell and Peyton Manning are all smiles at the Chad Powers premiere.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • After the Hunt star Andrew Garfield waves to attendees of the red carpet premiere of the film in Venice on Friday.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The market moves suggest that investors this time are pushing aside fears of bigger geopolitical conflicts and remain confident in risk-on assets as the new year begins.
    Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Yet the import taxes haven’t yet pushed up stickers, in part because automakers are largely absorbing the higher costs and due to moves by the government that have provided carmakers with some relief.
    Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Not because the moms themselves are toxic people, but because the dynamic shifts into an ugly place with mean-girl behavior.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The radical shifts in France — regicide, the Committee of Public Safety’s terror, and expansionist campaigns — dissolved the moral and practical basis for the alliance.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Motions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motions. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on motions

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!