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

An open bridge on top of the sail could accommodate a pilot during harbor movements.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
Measure what got shipped, not how many hours a screen stayed unlocked or what the sheer activity is, which is based on keystrokes and mouse movements.

— Adithyan RK, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 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

Neither flag moves or changes as the story of two marines accused of murder and defended by a hotshot junior lawyer — known to most as a young Tom Cruise from the 1992 movie, Sorkin’s first — unfolds between them.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
The video shows Morales making a few sharp moves with the steering wheel before the SUV shakes.

— Anna Wilder, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 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

Definition of gestures

Noun

Surveys have repeatedly shown that Americans don't like the current clock changes, with lawmakers and physicians blaming the regular time shifts for drowsiness, inconveniences and even risks to health.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
For all the tectonic shifts in college sports, for the nonsensical new national conferences, for the greed and growing pains spurred by pay for play, there was no one more ready to meet this moment than Close.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026