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
Houston Astros ticketholders felt understandably upset that their team, which won the 2017 World Series, was caught using a combination of cameras and bangs on trash cans to steal opposing teams’ catcher signals to the pitcher. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2025 Continue reading … MISSILE WARNING – Trump signals Tomahawk diplomacy in new warning to Putin over Ukraine. FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2025 With global recognition, a loyal legacy readership and a mix of cultural, political and lifestyle reporting, a feature here signals both authenticity and mainstream relevance. Cynthia Salarizadeh, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • As the sun rose, they could be seen stationed in an unidentified area, with Israeli flags hoisted up from military vehicles.
    Yamiche Alcindor, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025
  • But his opening 45 minutes will have been a frustrating experience, with the assistant referee’s flag killing any momentum Mane was trying to gain.
    Rob Tanner, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These are not philanthropic gestures.
    Olivier Wenden, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Back in 2023, he was slapped with a massive $50,000 fine for verbally abusing officials, and last season he was hit with a $14,000 fine for a violent gesture during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The officials talked about it and ruled that Goff didn't pause after motioning out from under center.
    Anne Erickson, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Players on the field immediately motioned to the sideline for trainers and Warner’s right leg was in an aircast as he was carted off.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Critics Choice Association has announced the nominees for the 10th annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards, honoring the year’s outstanding achievements in nonfiction filmmaking.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Rutherford County earned a reputation for outstanding high school football over the past three-plus decades, and the 2020s could arguably be the best era yet.
    Cecil Joyce, Murfreesboro Daily News Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To commemorate his legacy, city and community leaders gathered on Thursday — on what would have been his 85th birthday — to install an honorary street sign at the intersection of Tooley Street and Oriole Street in Encanto.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The researchers also uncovered signs of immune and inflammation pathways involved in the disease, which could help guide treatment in the future.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
  • After the victory, the players spotted Sister Jean in the stands and waved for a socially distanced celebration with her.
    Shannon Ryan, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With signature aesthetics and luminous sound quality, Edelweiss pianos have emerged as iconic centerpieces in today’s most distinguished interiors.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Alan Hastings, a distinguished professor emeritus at UC Davis, described Hullar as the UC Davis chancellor most widely criticized by faculty members.
    Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Saquon and Congdon posed alongside their daughter on the red carpet before the start of the prestigious ceremony.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Alfred Nobel’s final will outlined the creation of five prestigious awards in physics, chemistry, medicine or physiology, literature, and peace.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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