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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of signals
Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
The long-standing expectation was that these resonance signals would fade and become negligible as the momentum transfer increased.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
So will his organization Turning Point USA’s overall digital presence, as the uptick in follower interest signals.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
Zohny said it could possibly be used to help measure consciousness from brain signals, such as with an electroencephalogram, or EEG, a test that measures electrical activity in the brain.
—Cara Anthony, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Selecting your seat ahead of time signals to the airline that your spot is claimed, potentially helping to keep you off the bump list.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Sep. 2025
Think of it as a hospital’s central nervous system for information — continuously gathering signals, interpreting them, and routing critical insights where they are needed most.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
The wires connect to a low-voltage system that powers the signals at rail crossings.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
More recession signals were lurking in the latest jobs data.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Fall in Michigan means less and less daylight as the season goes on and for many that signals the start of seasonal mental health struggles, though coping strategies can help, experts say.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
The latest contract extension signals the Navy’s intent to keep the Phalanx as a critical component of ship self-defense for at least another decade.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Celebration simply signals abundance in your mindset, rather than scarcity.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Deebo Samuel #1 of the Washington Commanders signals a first down against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Landover, Maryland.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations, these are typically corrected or mitigated during the inspection, according to the Sacramento County Food Inspection Guide.
—Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
Today, humility and curiosity are stronger signals of relevance.
—Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
The long-standing expectation was that these resonance signals would fade and become negligible as the momentum transfer increased.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
So will his organization Turning Point USA’s overall digital presence, as the uptick in follower interest signals.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
Zohny said it could possibly be used to help measure consciousness from brain signals, such as with an electroencephalogram, or EEG, a test that measures electrical activity in the brain.
—Cara Anthony, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Selecting your seat ahead of time signals to the airline that your spot is claimed, potentially helping to keep you off the bump list.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Sep. 2025
Think of it as a hospital’s central nervous system for information — continuously gathering signals, interpreting them, and routing critical insights where they are needed most.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
The wires connect to a low-voltage system that powers the signals at rail crossings.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
More recession signals were lurking in the latest jobs data.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
For her performance about an hour later, Gaga returned on video from MSG and in the middle of the red and black motif that signals the opening of her Mayhem Ball tour.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Fall in Michigan means less and less daylight as the season goes on and for many that signals the start of seasonal mental health struggles, though coping strategies can help, experts say.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
The latest contract extension signals the Navy’s intent to keep the Phalanx as a critical component of ship self-defense for at least another decade.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Celebration simply signals abundance in your mindset, rather than scarcity.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Deebo Samuel #1 of the Washington Commanders signals a first down against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Landover, Maryland.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations, these are typically corrected or mitigated during the inspection, according to the Sacramento County Food Inspection Guide.
—Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signals
Noun
-
Two pass interference flags skewed those numbers — their nine penalties were not a record under Sirianni, although their six defensive penalties tied for the most — but it was not lost on Sirianni that all Cowboys scoring drives included an Eagles penalty.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
To my left, people brandished flags from Argentina, Cuba, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine.—
Sarah Larson,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Advertisement Advertisement In one of several choreographed gestures suggesting a special and intimate relationship between Russia and India, Putin gave Modi a ride in his presidential limousine to their bilateral meeting in Tianjin.—
Shyam Saran,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Now, with gestures like this latest birthday surprise, the couple appears back on solid ground, blending star power and romance in a way that keeps fans rooting for them.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Investors flocked to bonds because of signs of a slowdown in the labor market.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
-
On the flip side, secrecy triggers hypervigilance, where one partner obsessively scans for signs of deception or hidden threats, and naturally so given the suspicious nature of the matter.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
After the Hunt star Andrew Garfield waves to attendees of the red carpet premiere of the film in Venice on Friday.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
-
In Lake Michigan, beach-goers from Manistee County south to Berrien County should beware of strong rip currents, waves up to 6 feet high and gusts reaching 25 knots (28 mph).—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Signals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signals. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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