signals 1 of 2

plural of signal
1
as in flags
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 gestures
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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signals

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of signal
as in motions
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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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 signals
Noun
Long days at the ballpark, cookouts that stretch into the evening and picnics in 90-degree weather all pressure the body’s normal signals for hunger, thirst and temperature. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 14, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026 Instead of relying on external radio signals, the system combines quantum sensors with magnetic map matching technology to determine an aircraft’s position. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026 This investigation was conducted in ultraviolet light and using custom calibration to prevent flaring from the red dwarf companions from mimicking white dwarf signals. Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 July 2026 Post-market monitoring should be capable of detecting safety signals across drugs, devices, vaccines, foods, supplements, and digital technologies. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 14 July 2026 Instead of using a remote or control panel, the player moves into position and signals with a simple hand gesture for the ball, and the AI biometrics locate and pinpoint the player position. Shirl Leigh july 13, New Atlas, 13 July 2026 Finding individual molecules can get complicated because there can be hundreds of other molecules in the molecular cloud that are also sending out their signals at the same time. Damien Pine, Scientific American, 13 July 2026 However, rookie Brandon Valenzuela admitted difficulty keeping track of the evolving signals. Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 The other striking thing is that some of the events occurred without an obvious indication of tectonic signals picked up by the hydrophones present. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026
Verb
But a string of comments made during the company’s earnings call on Thursday signals a more ominous path ahead for America’s businesses and workers. Bob Herman, STAT, 16 July 2026 His reemergence signals that Trump now may support changes to FEMA instead of an outright elimination of the agency. David A. Lieb, Fortune, 16 July 2026 The announcement signals a shift for High NA EUV from research and early testing into production manufacturing. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026 The acquisition by Kansas City Kansas Community College places his work in a permanent public collection and signals a broader shift in how local Black artists are being valued by institutions. Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026 New York’s data center moratorium, announced Tuesday, signals growing mainstream political pushback to unchecked AI growth in the US. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 14 July 2026 The measure faces a difficult path in Congress, but its introduction signals that some Republicans are continuing to push for restrictions on birthright citizenship despite the Supreme Court's ruling. Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 14 July 2026 Standing over 83 inches tall, the Autobiography signals its intent before the system is even switched on. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 8 July 2026 This trend signals a larger change in how leaders think about learning. Michael Edmondson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signals
Noun
  • The hype men, and the gargantuan flags, and the 52-player parade onto the field, ensure that every match feels like a big occasion.
    Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • A student who has shown no prior interest in public health suddenly founding a nonprofit that happens to align closely with a parent’s medical practice will instantly raise flags for admissions committees.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • Toward the end of his address, Trump made gestures of bipartisanship.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
  • At the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse in New York's Hudson Valley, Kayne thinks about the small gestures that immediately shift a guest’s state of mind.
    Oset Babür-Winter, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Luz, the group’s search leader and spokesperson for the day, immediately motions with her hand for the group to drive forward.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • There were no immediate, obvious signs of foul play or trauma on Wells’ body, Lynd told CNN.
    Holly Yan, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • On Saturday, rescue crews aided by dogs and detectors found signs of life, confirming that at least one survivor was still trapped beneath the rubble.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • My son waves his hands through my light and laughs and laughs.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
  • Ferrari is wary of a culture that diagnoses and labels nearly everything, and equally wary of the backlash that waves off deeper work as just talking.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Signals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signals. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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