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
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
Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Persistent low energy, irritability, brain fog and apathy toward daily life are the clearest signals that a structured wellness experience could help.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026
Track menstrual changes in the first one to three months and treat irregular cycles, unusual fatigue or disrupted sleep as signals to pause and talk to a clinician.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
As is clear, the prior two signals in February and April both failed at key downtrend lines.
—Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 10 June 2026
Physical activity helps regulate those signals.
—Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic have provided some signals about their growth.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Gorski and Murchikova then used a calibration method to remove interference from the black hole's radio signals, resulting in an image 100 times deeper and 80 times sharper than past maps.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 4 June 2026
So far, some of those signals have been really interesting.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations, these are typically corrected or mitigated during the inspection, according to the Sacramento County Retail Food Inspection Guide.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
june 12, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
Another rule approved by the IFAB to help with the pace of the games states that players being substituted out will have 10 seconds to leave the pitch once the board marking the move is shown or the referee signals the change.
—Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 11 June 2026
The change signals that council members have a range of outstanding questions about the fast-forming deal, from funding to potential property tax cuts to public engagement.
—Nina Moske, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026
Normally, adenosine attaches to brain receptors and signals fatigue.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Ellesse said the campaign signals a shift in creative direction.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 10 June 2026
While that typically signals strong interest, Cramer said the composition of the buyer base may matter more than the headline demand figure.
—Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 10 June 2026
Taken together, the network signals a significant upgrade in Beijing’s efforts to ensure second-strike capability, underscoring intensifying nuclear competition with the United States as tensions rise over issues such as Taiwan’s sovereignty.
—Reuters, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Noun
That generational drop-off signals a clear and urgent problem.
—Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Persistent low energy, irritability, brain fog and apathy toward daily life are the clearest signals that a structured wellness experience could help.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026
Track menstrual changes in the first one to three months and treat irregular cycles, unusual fatigue or disrupted sleep as signals to pause and talk to a clinician.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
As is clear, the prior two signals in February and April both failed at key downtrend lines.
—Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 10 June 2026
Physical activity helps regulate those signals.
—Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic have provided some signals about their growth.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Gorski and Murchikova then used a calibration method to remove interference from the black hole's radio signals, resulting in an image 100 times deeper and 80 times sharper than past maps.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 4 June 2026
So far, some of those signals have been really interesting.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026
Verb
Low friction signals tech that actually works.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations, these are typically corrected or mitigated during the inspection, according to the Sacramento County Retail Food Inspection Guide.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
june 12, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
Another rule approved by the IFAB to help with the pace of the games states that players being substituted out will have 10 seconds to leave the pitch once the board marking the move is shown or the referee signals the change.
—Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 11 June 2026
The change signals that council members have a range of outstanding questions about the fast-forming deal, from funding to potential property tax cuts to public engagement.
—Nina Moske, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026
Normally, adenosine attaches to brain receptors and signals fatigue.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Ellesse said the campaign signals a shift in creative direction.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 10 June 2026
While that typically signals strong interest, Cramer said the composition of the buyer base may matter more than the headline demand figure.
—Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 10 June 2026
Taken together, the network signals a significant upgrade in Beijing’s efforts to ensure second-strike capability, underscoring intensifying nuclear competition with the United States as tensions rise over issues such as Taiwan’s sovereignty.
—Reuters, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signals
Noun
-
Often mixed in to the beat are noisemakers like matracas – wooden objects in the shape of flags that produce a loud clacking sound when spun – and plastic horns called cornetas, which fans use to keep the matches animated from start to finish.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
-
The bus stopped briefly at the entrance to the Tijuana airport, where around 20 or so Iran fans waved flags.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
In laboratory demonstrations with eight volunteers, developers showed the wristband could precisely mirror hand gestures – including all 26 letters in American Sign Language – within 120 milliseconds.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 June 2026
-
Implement a clear referral thank-you policy with thoughtful gestures to motivate continued support.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said tsunami waves up to 10 feet were possible on some coasts of the Philippines.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
-
Reid waves a paperback around before tossing it behind his back.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The driver, identified as Rivas, showed signs of impairment, state police alleged, and fled as troopers checked him out for a potential DWI arrest.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
9 June 2026
-
Days later, the campaign was printing the slogan on lawn signs and using it on social media.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Signals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signals. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
