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
The foreign surveillance aircraft detected and likely tracked these false radar signals. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025 These factors send signals to the brain that result in the muscle contractions accompanied by orgasm. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025 The signals helped simplify things. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 In the meantime, CEOs can find signals that point to a weakening employment from private data sources. Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025 New signals, crosswalks and bike infrastructure could be complete by 2026. Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Oct. 2025 Prolonged radiation and geomagnetic activity can interfere with GPS networks, disrupt radio signals and damage spacecraft. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
The company’s recognition at the Humanoid Robotics Industry Awards signals growing acknowledgment of software infrastructure as the backbone of the next industrial era, where humanoid robots actively learn, adapt, and collaborate. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025 That actually signals to us that this is not strictly a kids series based on a toy. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2025 If a term aligns with the dog’s activity, that correlation signals potential meaning. Miriam Fauzia, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025 This signals that Beijing isn’t easing policy as aggressively as before, despite the property slump. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025 With global recognition, a loyal legacy readership and a mix of cultural, political and lifestyle reporting, a feature here signals both authenticity and mainstream relevance. Cynthia Salarizadeh, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025 The location signals the brand’s intent to strengthen its positioning in the accessible luxury space. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025 The shift signals Washington’s growing focus on international security after decades of military attention in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 The move signals an ambitious pivot for a series that has become a box office powerhouse in its home territory. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signals
Noun
  • But Newsom’s growing appetite for confrontation, both nationally and within California, raises flags about where the governor’s priorities really lie.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
  • But there was no major fighting on the streets, and soldiers riding on armored vehicles and waving Madagascar flags were cheered by people in Antananarivo.
    NPR, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Pointed gestures toward the lingering tension between Japan and Korea — and between those two countries and the rest of the planet — are drowned out by tiresome bickering and exaggerated gags, like a meaningful conversation swallowed into the sound of an airplane engine screaming overhead.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2025
  • These are not philanthropic gestures.
    Olivier Wenden, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But there have been signs that Kim has spent months preparing for a major parade in the capital Pyongyang, potentially at night and involving tens of thousands of people, according to the South Korean military.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The researchers also uncovered signs of immune and inflammation pathways involved in the disease, which could help guide treatment in the future.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In Los Angeles, Justin Bieber takes the court for some basketball, a pregnant Cardi B waves her arms and Glen Powell and Peyton Manning are all smiles at the Chad Powers premiere.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Signals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signals. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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