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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

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
To some, that percentage is either an ominous sign for his entire offensive game or a signal that his free-throw shooting can improve as his stamina improves. Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 By targeting this natural control pathway rather than blocking specific immune signals like many current treatments do, obefazimod aims to control disease activity without broadly suppressing the immune system, potentially leading to fewer side effects and more sustained symptom relief. New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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, 10 Oct. 2025 With global recognition, a loyal legacy readership and a mix of cultural, political and lifestyle reporting, a feature here signals both authenticity and mainstream relevance. Cynthia Salarizadeh, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • As the sun rose, they could be seen stationed in an unidentified area, with Israeli flags hoisted up from military vehicles.
    Yamiche Alcindor, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025
  • But his opening 45 minutes will have been a frustrating experience, with the assistant referee’s flag killing any momentum Mane was trying to gain.
    Rob Tanner, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rufus Jones, the British actor known for roles in Rivals and W1A, said the posters looked as if Bond was making an offensive gesture.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
  • His nomination was widely seen as a gesture to the left ahead of further delicate cross-party budget negotiations.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After motioning Tez Johnson from right to left beyond Egbuka, the Bucs created a single-high look with safety Blankenship dropping down to cover tight end Cade Otton.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • During the 2022 incident, an unknown person motioned toward Newton to arrest Mitchell for trespassing.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Has an outstanding technical skill set.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Cinematographer Carlos Catalan has worked on Broadchurch, Dope Girls, Murdered by My Boyfriend and Killing Eve, and production designer Dominic Hyman on The Witcher, The Last Kingdom and earned an Emmy for outstanding art direction on HBO’s The Pacific.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To commemorate his legacy, city and community leaders gathered on Thursday — on what would have been his 85th birthday — to install an honorary street sign at the intersection of Tooley Street and Oriole Street in Encanto.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The researchers also uncovered signs of immune and inflammation pathways involved in the disease, which could help guide treatment in the future.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
  • After the victory, the players spotted Sister Jean in the stands and waved for a socially distanced celebration with her.
    Shannon Ryan, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With signature aesthetics and luminous sound quality, Edelweiss pianos have emerged as iconic centerpieces in today’s most distinguished interiors.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Alan Hastings, a distinguished professor emeritus at UC Davis, described Hullar as the UC Davis chancellor most widely criticized by faculty members.
    Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Since modern romance developed in the 1970s, these novels have been thoroughly ignored by highbrow critics and prestigious-award juries.
    Rebecca Ackermann, The Atlantic, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Although it is censored in China, the film has won Best Director for Lou at the Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan, the most prestigious stage for Sinophone cinema.
    Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on signal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!