1
as in sign
a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or feeling
a teenager who often shrugs her shoulders in a gesture of indifference
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in courtesy
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
sent a handwritten thank-you note as a gesture of his gratitude
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 gesture
Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2025
Small, thoughtful gestures can reinforce your team’s value and dedication.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
Michael Rios, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
The video started with Earle smiling and gesturing a lasso motion while the song played its catchy chorus.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Noun
Hart’s gesture was special considering his 16 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists gave him his ninth triple-double of the 2024-25 season.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2025
Small, thoughtful gestures can reinforce your team’s value and dedication.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
The people on board the helicopter gestured to him that another boat would arrive soon to take him home.
—Michael Rios, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
The video started with Earle smiling and gesturing a lasso motion while the song played its catchy chorus.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gesture
Noun
-
A number of protesters carried signs about the stock market tanking and the high tariffs Trump has promised to impose on goods coming in from around the globe.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
5 Apr. 2025
-
The peaceful protesters waved signs targeting Trump and Musk.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The deep space asteroid that recently made headlines for its potential to collide with Earth received its own photoshoot courtesy of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
3 Apr. 2025
-
The very act of looking up from your phone or notes can signal courtesy and enthusiasm.—
Bala Sathyanarayanan,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
After hitting a three-pointer, Morant motioned his arms to that of a large gun.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
The friend motioned at her to come in and close the door.—
David W. Brown,
The New Yorker,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The addition of stunt design brings the total number of competitive categories to 25 — a thrilling signal that the Academy is embracing long-overdue change, driven not by trend, but by truth: These artists, who exist in every facet of our favorite movies, are essential to the storytelling process.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
-
While Roblox shareholders have also certainly noticed the early success of A Minecraft Movie, the market is not sending clear signals.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
People were waving American flags and Ukrainian flags.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Trump waved to a few dozen supporters who were nearby and briskly walked into a nearby building.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But while many corporate leaders can talk the theory of anti-fragility, only a select cohort truly embody a posture that not only survives but actually thrives during crises.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Trump is enacting Project 2025 nearly to the letter, deploying executive orders, lawsuits, and rhetorical bombast in an effort to force judges, law firms, cultural institutions, university presidents, and press barons into postures of pitiable obedience.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In 2025, that emotional fast food ritual is back, this time pixelated and playfully spicy.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Your coffee ritual deserves more than a cluttered corner of the kitchen counter.—
Bailey Berg,
Architectural Digest,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Darius was also quite good but went a little too over the top with his gesticulations to come off sincere.—
Charlie Mason,
TVLine,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Musk also has a history of doing weird gesticulations on stage.—
James Hibberd,
The Hollywood Reporter,
3 Sep. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gesture. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share