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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
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
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Recent Examples of signal
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Early signals shouldn’t be ignored.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 10 Feb. 2026
Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
This marketing coup may signal a shift in market dominance.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for signal
Noun
Interestingly, the device maintained a stable electroencephalogram (EEG) signal collection despite the harsh rigors of space.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Early signals shouldn’t be ignored.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Food shortages, internal migrations, and overcrowding had already signaled a slippage in imperial power, and created a fertile environment for disease.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
This marketing coup may signal a shift in market dominance.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
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McRae, 22, posted a childhood photo of herself holding a Canadian flag.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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For ships and naval stations ashore, the flags are flown at half-mast.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese invited Herzog to visit as a gesture of unity with Jewish Australians after 15 people were killed at a Hanukkah festival near Sydney’s Bondi Beach – the worst terror attack committed in the country.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
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This week the arriving athletes seemed more interested in getting accustomed to their free Samsung phones and using their own gestures to direct a robotic hand behind glass to pick up a plastic ball encasing a mystery Olympic pin.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Rush said, then motioned to their son.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
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From her seat two rows behind the Republican leaders, Pavalock-D’Amato stood, turned around and motioned to her pro-ICE message.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Crosby, in his 21st NHL season, is having a typically outstanding campaign.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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The driver was apprehended and has prior convictions for being an armed felon and an outstanding warrant, according to the department.—
Camryn Dadey,
Sacbee.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The fasten-seatbelt sign was on and the flight attendants were performing final cabin checks when the plane suddenly dropped, then violently pitched back up.—
Aaron Cooper,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
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Tom pulled up a Wikipedia page on his laptop called WikiProject AI Cleanup, and another on how to spot signs of AI writing.—
Imogen West-Knights,
The Dial,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Nearby, ecstatic supporters waved Swiss flags.—
Joseph Wilson,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
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However, that does not stop Glenn from proudly waving and exchanging Olympic pins adorned with the trans pride flag.—
Jasmine Wynn,
Time,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Folks rolled into the Mercury Theater, then under the management of Michael Cullen, who conveniently owned the Irish pub next door, replete with a distinguished meatloaf.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
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Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers (13 points) The Steelers summoned the 62-year-old Pittsburgh native after his one-year sabbatical, and McCarthy will continue his distinguished coaching tour after leading the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys earlier in his career.—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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For this most prestigious honor of the Those Who Excel awards, recipients have demonstrated a significant commitment to equity and student success, regularly collaborate to create positive school cultures and serve as lifelong learners who inspire the broader community, according to the ISBE.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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The Jackson Hole native won one of the most prestigious races at the Games, as the downhill is sort of like the 100-m dash at the Summer Games.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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