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 Federal Aviation Administration published a Notice to Airmen ahead of time warning any pilots flying into the area that the military would be jamming GPS signals, so aviation safety expert Steve Arroyo said the medevac pilots should have been prepared to rely on other navigation systems. ABC News, 18 June 2026 But the global energy markets are much more financialized than the markets for most economic goods, and quick to respond with price signals that are more immediately actionable, prompting market participants to begin to adapt much sooner. George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Cells also regulate their genes from moment to moment in response to a constant inflow of signals from their neighbors and surroundings. Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 18 June 2026 Philippine content has not yet demonstrated comparable regional travelability, though early investment signals suggest that is the gap streamers are now moving to close. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 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
Verb
This signals a perilous course for all Americans. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026 But there is one moment that signals the end of her day, every day, without fail. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 19 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 19, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026 Not every exception is fully visible, and not every difference signals a problem. Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 18 June 2026 For valuation, a strong internal talent pipeline signals stability and lower turnover risk, positively impacting long-term business value. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 All of it signals to guests that the evening is intentional. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026 Kochs also lauded that the residency signals a shift in guest behavior that is informing how Claridge’s — and parent group Maybourne — think about wellness as a business. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 17 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signals
Noun
  • In another, a Midwestern college town is hanging flags and learning chants for a country most of its residents had never thought much about before June.
    Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • Behind them, a small crowd waved Jordanian flags and clapped their hands to the beat in an informal procession where onlookers cheered and filmed on their cellphones.
    Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Against the home’s cleaner architectural lines, Burle Marx’s individual plantings read as painterly gestures, flashes of form and texture that give the grounds their modernist rhythm.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • An introductory section designed by Studio Adrien Gardère will spotlight the savoir-faire of Le19M’s 11 resident maisons d’art, focusing on the gestures, tools, materials and creative processes that define them.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Paula waves off a call from Geri about next steps and settles in to make guacamole.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 24 June 2026
  • Not to the American fan who calls it soccer, waves the flag and doesn't apologize for loving his country.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • And the deals extend well beyond skin care, with discounts on hair and makeup products that address everything from early signs of thinning hair and sparse brows to dull complexions in need of a natural-looking flush.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 June 2026
  • Chopper 4 flew over the detention center and observed no visible signs that the facility was being dismantled.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Signals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signals. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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