Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

signal

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of signal

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
Synonyms of signal

astral, bright, distinguished, eminent, illustrious, luminous, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, preeminent, prestigious, redoubtable, star, superior
Words Related to signal

celebrated, exalted, famed, famous, glorious, honored, renowned, reputable

infamous, notorious

dominant, paramount, predominant
Near Antonyms of signal

insignificant, minor, unimportant

average, inferior, mediocre

obscure, uncelebrated, unsung

signal

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of signal

to direct or notify by a movement or gesture

  • signaled the oncoming traffic to stop while the wrecked car was being towed away
Synonyms of signal

beckon, flag, gesture, motion, wave
Words Related to signal

nod

gesticulate, mime, pantomime, sign

signalize

acquaint, advise, inform, relate, tell

flourish, shrug

signal

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of signal

1 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
Synonyms of signal

flag, tocsin
Words Related to signal

red light

knell

2 a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or feeling

  • quietly waiting for the signal to advance
Synonyms of signal

gesticulation, gesture, mime, pantomime, sign
Words Related to signal

beck, beckon, flourish, shrug, wave

body language, posture

indication, motion

sign language

Learn More about signal

  1. Dictionary: Definition of signal Spanish Central: Translation of signal Nglish: Translation of signal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of signal for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about signal

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up signal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

zibeline

a soft lustrous wool fabric with mohair

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. nebulous Lip reading, Brexit, and semantic uncertainty

  2. synergy Mueller files Cohen details.

  3. slumgullion From the broadcast of 'It Happened on Fifth Avenue'

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games