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
Four of the eight resulted in gains and four in losses, underscoring the lack of a clear directional signal. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026 Their circuits can process multiple inputs and direct signals toward specific outputs. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
The first preseason game every August signals a shift in training camp. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026 Witherspoon's deal signals that another, likely bigger, contract is coming for a cornerback across the country. — Armando Salguero, FOXNews.com, 15 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
  • De Lutiis scored himself in the 58th, backing up in support at the perfect time after an Australian attacking raid that started with flyhalf Carter Gordon breaking the defensive line and running 30 meters toward the right corner flag.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Wilson’s draft night peers await The Bulls rookie planted his flag some time ago.
    — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of flag
Noun
  • To paste somewhere else, do the opposite gesture by pinching or spreading three fingers open.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In an endearing gesture from a multimillionaire who ran a thriving entertainment production company specializing in true-crime shows, McDonnell was coming to offer a sweet form of thanks to the bank’s sales team.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of gesture
Verb
  • After listening for several seconds, Gulbeyan motioned for arena security.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Faragna motioned to Nardulli to step to one side and spoke into his ear with circumspection.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of motion
Adjective
  • That vulnerable performance earned Ahmed an Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Losing access to the credit card doesn't eliminate the outstanding balance, though.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of outstanding
Noun
  • But that agreement, which had already effectively collapsed, officially expired on Monday with no sign of a breakthrough and as tensions have escalated.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • On-again, off-again negotiations have shown little sign of a breakthrough, encouraging oil producers and Gulf nations to seek out other trade routes, some of which are already transporting millions of barrels each day.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of sign
Verb
  • More than two dozen friends and family traveled from Ohio and waved a Marietta College flag for each of his plate appearances.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Maia Kealoha, who plays Lilo, came onstage to introduce the film as a fuzzy Stitch waved to the crowd from onscreen.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of wave
Adjective
  • Lederer, 67, has a long and impressive history in independent watchmaking, having been a distinguished member of the prestigious Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI) since 1985.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The distinguished Indian fashion brand Sabyasachi has partnered with New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for a new line of jewelry inspired by the institution’s vast collection.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • The 180-foot Elena of London can be chartered during this year’s Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, giving you the chance to compete in one of the Mediterranean’s largest and most prestigious regattas.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But despite being centuries old, the city has a youthful vibe, thanks to being home to the prestigious Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, enrolling over 8,000 students.
    — Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 13 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 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on signal

Nglish: Translation of signal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about signal

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