SIGNAL Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

signal 1 of 3

noun

ˈsig-nᵊl

Definition of signal

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

Relevance

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

When the growth is consistent and management is raising guidance on top of it, new highs tend to be a signal. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 Patterns that appear across multiple interviewers and reference conversations are far more reliable signals. — Harvard Business Review, 24 Aug. 2026

Verb

Cook County leaders have signaled a new willingness to reconsider tax incentives in recent months. — Alex Nitkin, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 Summary High employee turnover often signals a broken workplace culture, not just compensation issues. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal

Noun

Deezer and YouTube Music also ask distributors to flag when songs are created by AI and use advanced tools to help flag when they're not marked correctly.

— James Peckham, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
Twelve flags for 83 yards, including nine against the backup offensive line.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of flag

Noun

However, there are some experts that see the cut in military drills as a positive gesture, suggesting that if the joint exercises are escalating tensions, then reducing them should lessen the chance of a conflict.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
On April 14, 2020, Cline was a complete unknown; by April 16, millions of viewers had spent 10 full hours absorbing the actress’ every gesture and mannerism, a blast of immersive exposure that generates a whole other level of parasocial intimacy.

— Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of gesture

Adjective

His work there earned him a nomination for his first Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding guest actor in a drama series.

— Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
Logan Henderson, an outstanding rookie pitcher the Brewers chose to keep rather than including in a trade last month, outdueled Skubal in Sunday’s series finale at Los Angeles.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of outstanding

Noun

Private equity’s growing interest in sports teams is another sign of the buying boom, said Irwin Kirshner, the head of the sports law group at the law firm Herrick Feinstein.

— Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
In hindsight, that was a sign of having lived in the bubble of NYC cinephile culture for 20 years by that time.

— José Salazar, IndieWire, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of sign

Verb

The Beaver’s Mini Mart mascot is a full beaver, unclothed, waving and smiling against a white background.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Though Sex and the City ended two entire decades ago, many of her most valuable life lessons—usually delivered via purring, zingy one-liners, either with a dirty martini in one hand or while waving a fork over brunch—feel just as relevant today.

— Daisy Jones, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of wave

Adjective

Gonzalez decided to retire after a distinguished retail career spanning more than four decades.

— David Moin, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026
Capers rolled in his wheelchair alongside close friends and family members down a long Pentagon hallway as hundreds of friends, supporters, and distinguished guests gave a long overdue hero’s reception.

— Ethan Rocke, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

As the season has progressed, two players have been most often discussed by fans and media as the main contenders for the prestigious award.

— Annie Costabile, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Prince George, having just turned 13, is due to start at Eton College, a prestigious boarding school for boys, in September.

— Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of prestigious

Browse Nearby Words

sign

signal

signaled

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of signal

noun

verb

adjective

Example Sentences

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