signal 1 of 3

noun

ˈsig-nᵊl How to pronounce signal (audio)
Definition of signalnext
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

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

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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
Heavy El Niño rainfall there can account for half or more of the signal by changing the oxygen levels in water. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 The breakout is supported by a notable improvement in intermediate-term momentum, with the weekly MACD having stayed on a ‘buy’ signal for several weeks. — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
The trade signals that the Ravens were unlikely to keep Pounds at Sunday’s roster cutdown, and so Kansas City offered compensation to prevent him from getting claimed by one of the seven teams in front of their priority. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026 Making his first appearance here as Fed chair, Warsh stopped well short of clearly signaling an interest-rate increase at the Fed’s next meeting. — David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
  1. flag
  2. gesture
  3. motion
  4. outstanding
  5. sign
  6. wave
  7. distinguished
  8. prestigious
Noun
  • This image taken on August 25, 2026 shows an Icelandic flag displayed along a street in central Reykjavik, Iceland, ahead of the country's upcoming referendum.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Created in 1998 by the bisexual activist Michael Page, the flag consists of three horizontal stripes in different colors.
    — Brian Duignan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of flag
Noun
  • The moment taps a broader wartime tradition in Ukraine, where heroic dogs, cats and rescuers become national emblems — and American gestures of solidarity carry growing political weight.
    — Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In a gesture of peace, al Sharaa enshrined key rights for Kurds via presidential decree, such as protection of the Kurdish language and recognition of Kurdish holidays.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of gesture
Verb
  • The Mercyenforcer holds the Heartfiller in his fist, motioning me closer.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
  • After listening for several seconds, Gulbeyan motioned for arena security.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of motion
Adjective
  • Colbert also made a virtual appearance last week to accept the award for outstanding achievement in variety, talk or sketch from the Television Critics Association Awards.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Wright has had an outstanding camp coming off his best season.
    — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of outstanding
Noun
  • But rather than placing a higher hurdle on the bill, the maneuver is considered a sign of its popularity as a temporary stopgap.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Mars in your sign challenges disciplined Saturn, creating the deeply irritating experience of feeling motivated and blocked at the same time.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of sign
Verb
  • Another shows someone climbing into a helicopter, stepping from a roof terrace, onto the landing gear and then into the cockpit, after appearing to take off their t-shirt to wave and attract the aircraft’s attention.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Dance, stretch, sway, walk, garden, or wave your arms around your living room.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of wave
Adjective
  • Our distinguished community of musical-theater actors deserves greater challenges and if theaters don’t train audiences to take a risk on newer material, its embrace will be yet harder in generations to come.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Satsky’s attorney, Robert Anello of New York, told The Charlotte Observer Tuesday that his client has a distinguished 30-year career in finance and an unblemished reputation for integrity.
    — Chase Jordan August 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • The Oscar-winning actress has written a new musical stage adaptation around the character, set to open on London’s prestigious theater scene in the summer of 2027.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Its work-in-progress was also one of five titles at the 2025 prestigious and highly selective Annecy Animation Showcase at the Cannes Festival’s Marché du Film.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of prestigious

Browse Nearby Words

sign
signal
signaled
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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on signal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about signal

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