Synonyms of signal

signal 1 of 3

noun

ˈsig-nᵊl 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flag
• red light
• tocsin
• knell

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

• gesture
• sign
• wave
• posture
• gesticulation
• indication
• motion
• mime
• pantomime
• body language
• shrug
• beck
• sign language
• flourish
• beckon

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

• motion
• wave
• gesture
• flag
• tell
• sign
• beckon
• nod
• inform
• signalize
• gesticulate
• advise
• pantomime
• mime
• shrug
• relate
• flourish
• acquaint

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• outstanding
• distinguished
• prestigious
• notable
• illustrious
• noteworthy
• famous
• superior
• eminent
• luminous
• bright
• star
• noble
• honored
• astral
• celebrated
• glorious
• dominant
• infamous
• renowned
• redoubtable
• preeminent
• predominant
• exalted
• reputable
• notorious
• famed
• paramount

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minor
• insignificant
• unimportant
• average
• inferior
• mediocre
• obscure
• unsung
• uncelebrated

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of signal

Noun

Everton’s departure from gorgeous, ramshackle Goodison Park — their home since 1892 — was another signal of new beginnings. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

However, bumps and microscopic unevenness alter the probe’s touch, creating false signals that look like moving ions. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Verb

Putin, for his part, did not publicly signal any movement from his previous steep demands, which seek major concessions from Ukraine. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026

But at the last moment, the defense attorney sprung up from his chair to argue a Hail Mary in a final effort to avert a mistrial, prompting a court officer to hold out his hand to signal the jurors should not yet enter the courtroom. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026