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
In on most aircraft and require most pilots to fly while transmitting ADS-B signals. Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 Crude price rises have been kept relatively contained as traders continue to jump on any signals that a deal may be in sight — a situation analysts warn won’t hold forever. Jenni Reid, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 These early signals rarely appear as urgent problems in reporting systems. Adam Povlitz, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 American systems also face the problem of operating when GPS signals come under attack. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 Silicon photonics technology uses light instead of electrical signals. Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 Tuesday's margins and turnout will offer the first signals about Democratic and Republican enthusiasm heading into November. Maham Javaid, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026 In tests, the sensor responded in about 41 milliseconds and continued producing stable signals after 10,000 operating cycles. New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
The order signals that the age of US cyber privateering is here. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026 This move to Xbox and PC exclusivity for *E-Day* signals a strategic shift for Microsoft, following recent multiplatform releases. Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 In the clip, Norwood signals the engineer before launching into a performance of the theme, which captures the songstress delivering impassioned vocals over a pulsating instrumental. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Unlike standard kettles, this one features a precise temperature control and soothing tone (no annoying whistle) that signals when the water has reached a boil. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026 The hour before bed should be quiet, with bright screens off, since artificial light signals the brain to stay awake. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026 This milestone signals that heavy mechanical construction is finished and systems testing is actively underway. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 The promotion, announced on Wednesday, signals another attempt to widen the leadership ranks at Salesforce, which Benioff co-founded in 1999 and has run ever since. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026 The growing acceptance of private listing networks by powerful real estate interests signals a shift in how the market operates, with selective access becoming a central feature rather than an exception. Derrick Johnson, Time, 4 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signals
Noun
  • Barely an hour from the famed Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap, deminers with South Korean, Swiss and American flags on their uniforms and helmets, recently inched through a minefield, clearing the land one painstaking step at a time.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • When other Columbia students staged a counter- protest outside the encampment, holding Israeli flags, people threatened them with violence.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The gimbal-mounted camera can also respond to your gestures like a friendly robot with nods and little jigs.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Several opposition skeptics view his gestures of peace toward Kurds as little more than a political ploy to gain popularity and extend his term in office.
    The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 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
  • Preliminary findings have not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances, police said, according to WHNS.
    Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • For days, Nidhi observed her for signs of secret despair but could detect none.
    Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Picture a doorman who checks your ID with great care, then waves you into any apartment in the building.
    Julian Durand, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Spa At the beach-level spa, the windows were left wide open during my 60-minute Salt Air Reset massage, making all-natural birdsong and waves the soundtrack of my treatment.
    Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026

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“Signals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signals. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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