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

Put simply, Norwood is the epitome of the AI industry getting high off its own supply, deluding itself into thinking that watching lifeless AI agents going through the motions on screen is something that anybody actually wants. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 10 Sep. 2026 Shortly afterwards, Tyler and one of his co-counsels, Shy Jackson, filed motions to withdraw from the case — an act that was widely viewed as a quiet form of protest. — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026 Reddington cited Rule 25 under the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure, which Lu said governs motions like the one filed Thursday. — Adam Sabes , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026 The Huskies, 12 1/2-point underdogs to the Terps, were able to get a sense of what a game week looks like and go through the motions, picking up on small details that need to be improved and mistakes that only show on tape. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 10 Sep. 2026 Given those concerns, look for Kubiak to create space and opportunities for them with his scheme via motions and screens. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 The directive was contrary to previous court rulings that provided immigration judges with discretion to decide motions to change venue, Dillon's attorneys said in the complaint. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026 Envision a young athlete repeating the same mechanical motions, like kicking, sprinting, or overhead throwing, 12 months a year. — Michael Swartzon, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026 Those included motions related to the BC Partners agreement, which contains a series of milestones, provisions for player support and an effective date within 120 days. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 9 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

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