signal 1 of 3

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
The department said current emergency notification systems rely on cellular devices, radio signals, electrical connectivity and power, all of which can be disrupted by heavy smoke, power outages or damage to communication infrastructure during an emergency. Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026 This means users only need to trust the quantum light signals entering the system rather than the detector responsible for measuring them. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026
Verb
James got frustrated with Giulia in the match’s aftermath and clearly signaled a split between the duo. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026 Clearly, that gigantic number signals investors’ confidence in the future growth and profitability of AI. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • The red leather booths and wooden bar date back to the early 20th century and the walls are covered in flags from American universities.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • Still, this could be mitigated by offering flag in a different season – for example, the spring – than tackle, which is played in the fall.
    Alex Sherman, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • The trip is also an opportunity for Xi to reassert his country’s close, historic ties with Pyongyang – a clear gesture from Beijing that even as Kim and Putin have elevated their ties in recent years, China remains North Korea’s most critical economic lifeline and diplomatic partner.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
  • For now, consider this one last gesture of trepidation toward a radically young team.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • The regular working-class crew heading home for the day filed onto her bus when a supervisor popped by the front door and motioned to two teen girls.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 2 June 2026
  • Gary Belaria said, motioning toward the parking lot.
    Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers was named the winner of the Ted Lindsay Award as the NHL’s most outstanding player, as voted by the league’s players.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 7 June 2026
  • Over his past four starts, Yamamoto has been outstanding, allowing just three runs on 16 hits over 27⅓ innings.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Jacobs continued trailing the elk—looking for signs of browse and prints and always listening for the faintest sound—for the next four days and forty miles.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
  • Others threw glass objects at people and ripped bus signs and trees out of the ground.
    Mark Morales, CNN Money, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Backstage, a handful of high-spirited elementary-age girls — known as Vista Horizon, a K-pop quintet from K-town — waved to them in awe and offered their congratulations.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
  • On the second day of the competition, hundreds of high school students milled about in team gear as parents and mentors mingled in the stands, waving pompoms or holding banners to celebrate when student robot operators took to the field.
    P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Lloyd’s long and distinguished career as an inventor and entrepreneur included an early collaboration with Nobel Prize-winning physicist and Manhattan Project scientist Luis Alvarez at the former Radiation Laboratory, now the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
  • Leaf, a distinguished diplomatic fellow at the Middle East Institute, said that Middle Eastern allies of the United States recognize that Iran will likely use any money from sanctions relief to bolster its military capabilities.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, a prestigious global dining guide curated by over 1,000 culinary experts, just revealed its top 50 restaurants in North America, with nine California picks and four Los Angeles restaurants.
    Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • San Diego native and Nickel Creek band co-founder Chris Thile has been named the music director for the 2027 Ojai Music Festival, one of the classical music world’s most prestigious and consistently groundbreaking annual events.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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