signal 1 of 3

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

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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

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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

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signal

3 of 3

adjective

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
This story has been updated to clarify the time frame in which the strange radio signal was detected. Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 30 June 2025 The price signals are useless because the government prohibited them from being useful. The Editors, National Review, 30 June 2025
Verb
The bill now heads to the House, where some GOP lawmakers are already signaling major objections. Elena Moore, NPR, 1 July 2025 Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • Amid the violence, rioters burned an American flag.
    Alexandra Koch , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
  • Later in the evening, Austin police ordered marchers to remain on the sidewalk or face arrest; dozens of protesters defied officers and sat down in the middle of the roadway in front of them, one holding a billowing American flag as traffic lights flashed from red to green.
    Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • This act by her unsung hero felt like a gesture of forgiveness.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 June 2025
  • The gesture of the embrace is a simple but powerful moment, a symbol of closeness, friendship, love, and forgiveness.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The sitter motioned with her hands for the Sheltie to come with her to go outside.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
  • Morris also motioned for Gateway attorney David Middlebrook to be removed from the case.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • But Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee left a hearing Wednesday with outstanding questions that could take lawmakers months to answer — if not longer.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 10 July 2025
  • Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe left frustrated Vinicius Jr had been looking to shine again in the U.S., yet the Brazilian departed with just one goal and one assist to his name from six games, with both his contributions coming in his outstanding performance against Salzburg.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • If the interview starts to feel like a brainstorm, that's a great sign.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • At the heart of this innovative post-cleanse toner/essence are herbal staples ginseng, Solomon's seal, and Japanese lily, which soothe, brighten, and protect skin against environmental factors that can lead to signs of aging.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • He was waved home by third base coach Tim Leiper and was called safe before the call was overturned on replay review, ending the inning.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
  • After betting big on U.S. assembly, and waving the red, white, and blue in its marketing, the company realized that most consumers didn’t care where the phone was made.
    Verne Kopytoff, Fortune, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Bruce Yandle is a distinguished adjunct fellow with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and former executive director of the Federal Trade Commission.
    Bruce Yandle, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
  • Roberts, 64, spoke to PEOPLE exclusively while attending the 46th Annual News Emmy Awards in New York City, where she was inducted into the Silver Circle Honor Society — an accolade that recognizes television professionals with at least 25 years of distinguished service to the industry.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Stanford has no natural ties to the ACC, and life is a lot harder now for the prestigious academic institution because of name, image and likeness, revenue sharing and the transfer portal.
    Antonio Morales, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • In spite of difficulties at the festival, Dulac was able to lure prestigious guests to the event over the years, notably Keanu Reeves, Donald Sutherland, Agnès Varda, Brady Corbet, Ari Aster, Lily Gladstone, Joel Edgerton, Ira Sachs and Ben Winshaw.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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