signal 1 of 3

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

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
Four days after her signal disappeared, C31F came back online. Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026 For Wei, the discovery is a signal that the catalog of life on Earth remains far from complete. Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
Cook also signaled confidence in his successor. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026 President Obama signaled the change while on stage at History Channel’s special edition of HistoryTalks in Philadelphia Saturday honoring America’s 250th anniversary. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • Hassan also posted a video of himself driving with a homemade ISIS flag in his hand and a knife on his lap.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026
  • It also has been roiled by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, stirring protests outside the venues and forcing organizers to clamp down on political flag-waving.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Standing for the first time free of coffles on his feet, a man holds his broken chain aloft in a gesture that predates the Black Power fist that would become popular a century after this sculpture was hewn from rock.
    Tyehimba Jess, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Two team presidents sat inside the council chambers as the ordinance passed, more than a gesture of appreciation.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Attorney Lynn Johnson stood before jurors in a Kansas City, Kansas, courtroom Tuesday afternoon and motioned to a metal device on wheels that was sitting in front of them.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Prior to closing arguments, Hunter’s other lawyer, Eben Self, motioned for an acquittal by arguing there was no evidence Green was even killed in Orange County, which Chief Circuit Judge Lisa Munyon quickly denied.
    Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This recognition honors exceptional school leaders across the South Bay for outstanding leadership, innovation and commitment to student success.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Ogilvie went on to become a successful, prosperous attorney in Chicago, and is today considered by close observers to be one of the state’s outstanding governors.
    Jim Nowlan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Counsell thought Suzuki’s at-bats looked good from the onset of Tuesday’s game and felt the swings in his first at-bat were a great sign.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
  • As the Moon meets Jupiter in your sign, your presence carries weight and people respond to your tone.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Down 30 with seven minutes left, Ott waved the white flag and emptied his bench, trying to move on to Wednesday’s Game 2 as quickly as possible.
    Doug Haller, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Now, gravel paths and barefoot-friendly concrete pavers wind through mature oak trees, gently waving grasses, and structured succulents, leading to distinct seating and dining areas.
    Elizabeth Jardina, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The honor of speaking at this distinguished ceremony is usually given to an eminent writer.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Congressman David Scott moved our state forward over half a century of distinguished public service – from working to bolster farmers and rural communities to putting health care in reach for children across our state.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Valerii was recognized for his prior work in Unit 2 and earned a prestigious award.
    Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • All concierges are members of Les Clefs d’Or, a prestigious global association.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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