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
While the Cowboys' defense has drawn much of the criticism this season, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green recently took aim at the Dallas signal caller. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025 Russian President Vladimir Putin has given state awards to the developers of the Burevestnik cruise missile and the Poseidon underwater torpedo, the latest signal in what analysts have cast as efforts by the Kremlin to discourage the West from supporting Ukraine. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
And while the leaders’ public performances were meant to signal mutual goodwill between the trading partners, plenty of complications and tensions remain. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2025 But that may not be a bad thing, and could signal a fresh start. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • Godard’s ode to American movies that required only a girl and a gun begat freak-flag-flying films like Slacker, which begat Linklater’s career, characterized by him following his own muse.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Following her passing, flags will be flown at half-mast for 30 days at government offices, state enterprises, and educational institutions, and government officials have been asked to wear mourning attire for a year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Many different gestures are happening in this book.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Over the centuries, the gesture became more decorative and less about corporeal money management.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • And by the time Love motioned for Doubs to line up outside running back Emanuel Wilson instead of inside him on the right side of the formation, there were two seconds left.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Leggett appeared upset and motioned his hands, the complaint says.
    Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Each year, the New York Public Library honors several distinguished individuals for outstanding achievements in their respective fields of arts, culture, letters and scholarship by naming them Library Lions.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2025
  • King Charles hosted the event, which recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to the community.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • With unpredictable twists and emotions running high, this Halloween is especially chaotic, and Mutable signs — Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces — can't imagine what's in store.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Front-foot defending and slick attacking interplay, especially on the left flank, has been the blueprint over the past few seasons, but there are signs of evolution.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Like Swift does in the video, Kelce closed his hands into fists and waved his arms up and down in celebration as the singer excitedly cheered him on from a luxury box in the upper level of the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The Toronto Blue Jays waved him to first base four times and walked him once unintentionally in the final nine innings of a record-tying 18-inning game the Dodgers won.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Pascal will join a distinguished line of recipients that includes Steven Spielberg, Barbara Broccoli, Billy Wilder, Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy, Mary Parent, Tom Cruise, Martin Scorsese and most recently Chris Meledandri.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
  • During his distinguished career, Monroe has been named to Variety’s Legal Impact and Dealmakers lists, as well as Legal 500 United States’ Media & Entertainment and M&A lists, among other accolades.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2025, the site received a prestigious award from ACTA Gist, recognized as the best archaeological site in Italy.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Tennessee is already a prestigious job in the SEC.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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