signals 1 of 2

Definition of signalsnext
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 test, known as Galleri, picked up cancer signals in 216 people, and 133 of them were found to actually have cancer. Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025 Experts believe the Russian satellites that got close to the two IntelSat satellites used in part by Germany were there to intercept signals. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025 Presently, astronauts rely on anti-nausea drugs, which block certain brain signals. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025 The body speaks and people ask questions because the body is sending signals. Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025 The end of year signals holiday cheer, festive feasts and of course, the yearly return of Spotify Wrapped — the streaming platform's annual review highlighting users' listening habits for the year. Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Nov. 2025 Weber installed bars in multiple disparate locations, and although the bars themselves did display signs of significant amounts of noise, Weber looked for correlations in these noisy signals between bars in different locations. Big Think, 7 Nov. 2025 Without that official jobs tally, the available signals are mixed. NPR, 7 Nov. 2025 Strange signals from an unknown origin, full of static, pop up on the radio. Will Borger, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
The vehicle, now confirmed as the Kosmera Nebula 1, signals the appliance maker’s serious ambitions beyond household tech and into high-end mobility. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026 Subramanian stressed there is no reference to a minimum subscription length, an omission that signals Dish can sell passes. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Jan. 2026 Both pieces were on loan, a detail that not only speaks to her appreciation for circular fashion but also signals her generation's appreciation for sustainability and ethical consumption. Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026 Venezuela is gripped by fear and uncertainty in the aftermath of the removal of longtime leader Nicolás Maduro, with many inside the country questioning whether his capture truly signals the end of the authoritarian system that has ruled for years. Ted Scouten, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026 Marty Supreme signals a thrilling new chapter for Safdie, the director who made his name in a filmmaking partnership with his brother, Benny, on gritty features including Heaven Knows What, Good Time and the beloved Adam Sandler vehicle Uncut Gems. David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026 The change signals a broader surge in lightning activity across the Great Plains, according to the report. Lana Ferguson, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026 This reunion at an AAA event signals a new level of cooperation between WWE and the Mexican promotion. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025 Raskin said the information signals Maxwell either wants to be released from her prison sentence or is making recommendations about other federal convicts to the Justice Department. Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signals
Noun
  • There is loud chanting, flags and people banging on cans.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Just that morning, a colleague had hung Pride and Black Lives Matter flags outside our office.
    Zach Fisch, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • These touching gestures reminded me that books were restorative, bringers of joy as well as knowledge.
    Kenneth Turan, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
  • By integrating vision, audio, and language, IntEngine enables Nylo to coordinate speech, facial expressions, and gestures in real time.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The rich-looking denim alternative was a big trend in 2025, with co-signs from Hailey Bieber and Martha Stewart.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Foundation Issues Cracks, gaps, and other signs of foundation settlement are sure to scare potential buyers according to Sain Rhodes, a real estate professional and a customer success manager at Clever Offers.
    Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
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 12 Jan. 2026.

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