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

Delivery mechanisms, pricing models and go-to-market motions are almost always tactics. — Amir Wain, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026 But Da Corte and Onli went several steps beyond the de rigueur motions of creating a hit show. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 22 Sep. 2026 Alternate scoops of vanilla and chocolate batter in the pan, then use a knife or skewer to make large figure-eight motions through the batter. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026 Those collective motions create quasiparticles called magnons. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026 The group still maintains any such motions and any judicial orders should be made public. — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026 The motions precede understanding as the lines perpetually reverse, halt, and cascade toward discovery—more scar, than solution. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026 Then, apply virgin coconut oil with a clean cloth, rubbing the wood in circular motions. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026 At first Tassie merely goes through the motions, turning up and pretty much dozing off her hangovers while her charges shoot her disapproving glances. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 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

The outbreak is spreading under extremely difficult conditions, fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers' strike and intense population movements.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
The outbreak is spreading under extremely difficult conditions, including war, insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike and intense population movements.

— Constant Same Bagalwa, Los Angeles Times, 20 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

For households looking for how to reduce plastic waste, switching formats is one of the simplest moves available.

— Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
The fight sequences have an engaging messiness, the characters often fumbling around rather than delivering expert moves.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of moves

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