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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Relevance
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

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

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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
For example, if a cat wants a sunny spot that’s already been taken by another, videos revealed that allogrooming—frequently occurring on the neck—usually caused the receiving cat to flatten its ears in a signal of displeasure. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 20 July 2026 By aligning innovators, primes, sub-tiers, and demand signals into a repeatable production system A&D companies can start to meet that challenge. — Jean-Louis Rassineux, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Verb
What is new in 2026 is the culture around it, the memes, the wearables and the reframe of sunlight as a zero-cost, measurable biohack that signals both discipline and low-cortisol living. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026 In his view, markets are already signaling the inflationary risk, leaving Trump with a narrowing window to make a deal before another disruption produces a sharper fuel-price and financial shock, possibly as soon as mid- to late September. — Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 25 July 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
  • This is about marching behind a singular flag and singing a singular anthem.
    — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Activists in pink balaclavas led by Nadya Tolokonnikova and other members of Pussy Riot, together with the feminist dissent group FEMEN, shot smoke flares and waved Ukrainian flags outside the Russian pavilion, chanting anti-war slogans.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of flag
Noun
  • We are swayed by subconscious gestures that ultimately have no bearing on a person’s ability to do a job, like poor posture or a weak handshake.
    — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Advertisement Claire, moved by Quinn’s gesture, wants to make things right for her daughter.
    — Barry Levitt, Time, 23 July 2026
Definition of gesture
Verb
  • Hamrick said to his companion, motioning to a spot short of the summit.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • In security footage obtained by ABC 13, the officer, alleged to be Carrico, is seen motioning the woman to take a seat; the woman complies.
    — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Definition of motion
Adjective
  • Cole, meantime, is truly enormous — a legit 6-3, 235 with outstanding length and speed for his size.
    — Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • The same caution applies to joint credit cards, where closing the account may require paying off the outstanding balance first.
    — Ashley Lynch July 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Definition of outstanding
Noun
  • Certain top players, including Alex de Minaur, opted out of the media boycott for Wimbledon, citing their appreciation of the prize money increase as a sign of progress.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • And the early signs of a smooth 2030 tournament hosting are not promising; the South Americans have been accused of both brutal tactics on the field and racist abuse by fans off it.
    — Simon Chadwick, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of sign
Verb
  • The latter was down three times before the referee waved off the remaining time in the eight-round bout.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • Activists in pink balaclavas led by Nadya Tolokonnikova and other members of Pussy Riot, together with the feminist dissent group FEMEN, shot smoke flares and waved Ukrainian flags outside the Russian pavilion, chanting anti-war slogans.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of wave
Adjective
  • In 2024, he was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest honor bestowed by the governor as a personal tribute given to those who have rendered distinguished service to the state or to the governor.
    — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
  • Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a distinguished American marine biologist at his home in the central Philippines, police said Thursday.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • Beijing — For the first time, two Chinese nationals have been awarded the prestigious Fields Medal for mathematics achievement – a win hailed across China as a milestone in the country’s bid to cement its role as a science and technology powerhouse.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • Chinese nationals were awarded the prestigious Fields Medal for the first time, in the latest sign of the country’s growing academic prowess.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 23 July 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 28 Jul. 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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