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

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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

Everton’s departure from gorgeous, ramshackle Goodison Park — their home since 1892 — was another signal of new beginnings. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026 However, bumps and microscopic unevenness alter the probe’s touch, creating false signals that look like moving ions. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Verb

Putin, for his part, did not publicly signal any movement from his previous steep demands, which seek major concessions from Ukraine. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026 But at the last moment, the defense attorney sprung up from his chair to argue a Hail Mary in a final effort to avert a mistrial, prompting a court officer to hold out his hand to signal the jurors should not yet enter the courtroom. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal

Noun

In the bleachers, members of the Bleacher Creatures unfurl and display an American flag, and it’s usually shown on the big scoreboard screen in center field.

— Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Earlier, in a downpour at daybreak, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and top military officials stood outside and watched as a giant American flag was unfurled on the building struck by one of those planes a quarter-century ago.

— Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of flag

Noun

Our 365-night trial and customer-friendly return policies aren’t goodwill gestures.

— Maureen Burke, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
In early September, in a gesture of compromise towards the industry, Suno added audio watermarking so its songs can be identified off-platform, and set monthly download caps meant to discourage flooding streaming services with AI tracks.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of gesture

Verb

While Rincon faced Cole Carrigg in the sixth inning, Eddings halted the game with the count 2-0 and motioned to Cardinals catcher Leo Bernal, and Rincon adjusted his cap.

— Steve Berman, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
One person told police that Rodriguez was standing on the sidewalk outside the church when Rodriguez motioned for the person to fight him – after which Rodriguez approached and started swinging fists in his direction, according to court records.

— Harry Harris, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of motion

Verb

Beyoncé, who wore a cozy hoodie for the outing, also blew kisses to the crowd and waved to fans as Jay-Z sang to her.

— Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
Fans are also shown waving the flag of the Philippines, an overhead shot of Eala’s black Chanel handbag and the WTA player posing in distressed jeans and a tangerine-colored open-back top.

— Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of wave

Adjective

Why Connecticut Should Lead Connecticut has a unique opportunity to lead the nation in civics education because Senator Lieberman was one of its most distinguished public servants.

— Clarine Nardi Riddle, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026
One of America’s most distinguished pediatric cardiologists says the nation is in desperate shape with the end of Medicaid subsidies and the 28 million people who lack insurance.

— Llewellyn King, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

The pair had recently published a major paper together (which would later win them the prestigious Fulkerson Prize, also awarded decades earlier to Appel and Haken for their four-color work).

— Gregory Barber, Quanta Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026
Reporters at the newspaper also were finalists for the prestigious journalism award in 2000, again for investigative reporting, and in 2006 in the public service category.

— Kate Brumback, Fortune, 10 Sep. 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 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of signal

noun

verb

adjective

Example Sentences

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