signal 1 of 3

noun

ˈsig-nᵊl How to pronounce signal (audio)
Definition of signalnext
1
as in flag
an object intended to give public notice or warning stop signs are signals for vehicles to come to a full stop—not suggestions for slowing down, as some drivers seem to think

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in gesture
a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or feeling quietly waiting for the signal to advance

Synonyms & Similar Words

signal

2 of 3

verb

as in to motion
to direct or notify by a movement or gesture signaled the oncoming traffic to stop while the wrecked car was being towed away

Synonyms & Similar Words

signal

3 of 3

adjective

as in outstanding
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement the Louisiana Purchase is cited by many historians as one of the most signal events in American history

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 signal
Noun
For example, if a cat wants a sunny spot that’s already been taken by another, videos revealed that allogrooming—frequently occurring on the neck—usually caused the receiving cat to flatten its ears in a signal of displeasure. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 20 July 2026 By aligning innovators, primes, sub-tiers, and demand signals into a repeatable production system A&D companies can start to meet that challenge. — Jean-Louis Rassineux, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Verb
Today, Mayor Mamdani is signaling that New York intends to continue that tradition. — Andrew Kimball, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026 Labor groups are backing Assembly Bill 1729 and eyeing the next governor’s race, where Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra has signaled openness to more generous remote work policies. — Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
  1. flag
  2. gesture
  3. motion
  4. outstanding
  5. sign
  6. wave
  7. distinguished
  8. prestigious
Noun
  • Opponents say the ambiguous law only intimidates people from using the flag in art, protests or other forms of expression, and could violate constitutional freedom of speech.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
  • Fans were launched into the air, beer shimmered in the sunlight as it was sprayed onto fellow fans, and dozens sang, danced and waved Mexican flags.
    — Meredith Nierman, NPR, 17 July 2026
Definition of flag
Noun
  • Even when two of them are just seated in the booth of a diner, what passes between them is suggested by looks, gestures, and our ability to read the situation.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 July 2026
  • The Smart Stack offers more contextual suggestions and has added convenient gesture controls.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 15 July 2026
Definition of gesture
Verb
  • In security footage obtained by ABC 13, the officer, alleged to be Carrico, is seen motioning the woman to take a seat; the woman complies.
    — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of motion
Adjective
  • After dark, the remote far-western location and low levels of artificial light make this region an outstanding destination for viewing the Perseid meteor shower.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 15 July 2026
  • It was also nominated for 12 Emmy Awards, winning one for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for Arthur in 1977.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026
Definition of outstanding
Noun
  • Certain top players, including Alex de Minaur, opted out of the media boycott for Wimbledon, citing their appreciation of the prize money increase as a sign of progress.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • And the early signs of a smooth 2030 tournament hosting are not promising; the South Americans have been accused of both brutal tactics on the field and racist abuse by fans off it.
    — Simon Chadwick, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of sign
Verb
  • All that chaos lays the perfect foundation for Lionel Messi to wave his magic wand.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • Fans were launched into the air, beer shimmered in the sunlight as it was sprayed onto fellow fans, and dozens sang, danced and waved Mexican flags.
    — Meredith Nierman, NPR, 17 July 2026
Definition of wave
Adjective
  • In 2024, he was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest honor bestowed by the governor as a personal tribute given to those who have rendered distinguished service to the state or to the governor.
    — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
  • Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a distinguished American marine biologist at his home in the central Philippines, police said Thursday.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • That fall, Yamal took home the Kopa Trophy at France Football magazine’s prestigious Ballon d’Or gala.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 16 July 2026
  • Even after being added to the prestigious Nasdaq 100 and Russell 1000 stock indexes, which ordinarily would have sparked buying, the stock has fallen every single day, except for one, since then.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 16 July 2026
Definition of prestigious

Browse Nearby Words

sign
signal
signaled
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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on signal

Nglish: Translation of signal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about signal

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