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
See behavior as a signal, not a threat Instead of viewing misbehavior as disrespect, emotionally safe parents see it as communication — a request for support, not punishment. Reem Raouda, CNBC, 25 May 2025 This electric signal is subsequently rendered on a micro display LCD screen, which the user views through the eyepiece. Matt Morris, Space.com, 25 May 2025
Verb
First base umpire Tom Hanahan signaled a hit, but without James Hoye at second or John Libka at third making a call, the hitters had no way of knowing where to stop, especially since Hanahan was behind Nimmo. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025 While trade between the two countries has historically been strong, the tariffs signaled a more transactional and contentious phase in economic relations. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • Many of the supporters, who included a 12-year-old girl dressed as the president, donned pro-Trump t-shirts and other attire, waving American flags to catch the attention of passersby, some of whom slammed on their horns in solidarity.
    Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • Together the pair had celebrated by planting a Barcelona flag in the middle of the pitch, a moment and an image that has taken on extra significance since Xana’s death six years ago.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • The gesture, broadcast everywhere locally, sent a clear signal to the outside world.
    Anthony Slater, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • Additionally, the avatar can pass the human test by using gestures, body language, and other elements of human interaction.
    Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Democrats immediately motioned to adjourn, but the vote failed on party lines.
    Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
  • Sean Diddy Combs, center, motions a heart sign to his family in attendance as he is escorted out of lock-up by US Marshals, on the first day of trial, Monday, May 12, 2025, in New York.
    Mark Prussin, CBS News, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Chicago Bar Association’s award for outstanding lawyer is named in her honor.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
  • Most impressively, Kohli has been able to tweak his game, batting with more explosiveness at the top of the order to produce an outstanding season for RCB.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • The Dolphins offered a sign that his rehab was progressing positively in March, restructuring his contract to convert $9.7 million of his 2024 salary into a signing bonus.
    Cameron Priester, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
  • Still, parents should not take the review as a sign that the US formula market is in disarray or in any way harmful to infants, Abrams said.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Many of the supporters, who included a 12-year-old girl dressed as the president, donned pro-Trump t-shirts and other attire, waving American flags to catch the attention of passersby, some of whom slammed on their horns in solidarity.
    Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • In February, during an appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Musk displayed his penchant for slashing government spending by waving around a chainsaw on stage.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Today, that distinguished tradition continues, with the distillery's current leadership or their cadre of seasoned master tasters personally vetting these casks.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • It’s been a long time since Florida’s university system was put to such disgrace as the Board of Governors did Tuesday in rejecting the distinguished scholar Santa Ono as the lone finalist for president of the University of Florida.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Chapter One The Political Science major at Warren University was a prestigious murder weapon.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • During his 16 years tenure as CEO, David and his team helped to elevate the already prestigious brand to become one of the top luxury wines in the world, expanding distribution to over 90 countries and increasing the value of the brand from an average of $200 to over $500 per bottle.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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