signal 1 of 3

1
as in flag
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 gesture
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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signal

2 of 3

verb

as in to motion
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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signal

3 of 3

adjective

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 signal
Noun
Iran’s 85-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has mocked Trump, but officials in his country also have offered conflicting signals over whether negotiations could take place. Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025 The two connected on a 40-yard catch Oct. 19 against Kentucky, eliciting an enthusiastic reaction and first-down signal from Wilson during his final game before surgery. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
If Aaron Rodgers Doesn't Work Out Read more: Aaron Rodgers Would Reportedly Rather Retire Than Sign With Steelers, Giants Bringing in Winston and visiting with Wilson could signal that New York is willing to move on from the dream of signing Rodgers. David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025 Left unsaid: That argument may not fly and, regardless, a judge had signaled those planes should have stayed grounded. Philip Elliott, TIME, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • While the protesters deployed some nationalist imagery, wielding Serbian flags and photos of Jesus while following a mascot of the World War II royalist Gen. Draza Mihailovic, the overall vibe of the Belgrade bonanza was closer to Woodstock than the March on Washington.
    Tiana Lowe Doescher, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The co-stars playfully deciphered dating red flags and green flags with a Snow White twist.
    Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • These range from coral restoration in Jamaica to water catchments for schools in Grenada and marine conservation education in Antigua—and even seemingly small gestures that can have a big impact, like supplying technology to an elementary school in the Bahamas.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Israel's spy agency lists failures in preventing Oct. 7 attack Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said in a statement the group would release Alexander, who is alive, and the bodies of four dual nationals as an initial gesture.
    Aya Batrawy, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • As the running back motioned across the formation, Howard faked a handoff to him and instead pitched the ball to receiver Emeka Egbuka, who followed his blockers on a simple counter play.
    Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Amazon motioned to dismiss both counts of the complaint on Jan. 17, but Judge Kevin Castel denied the request.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The show was also a huge hit, scoring 61 Emmy nominations in just three seasons, and winning 13, including outstanding comedy series.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Both Tawny Ports are outstanding, as is the entire range.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Aside from waiting until the average last frost date has passed, the seedlings will give signs when they can be transplanted outside.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The tulip is considered one of the biggest signs of warmer months on the horizon and as such, tulip festivals have become a very popular attraction all over the world.
    Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The pope, seated in a wheelchair, waved from the balcony and smiled.
    Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Thousands again protested outside the Istanbul municipality building on Friday, defying a four-day ban on street gatherings in the city, waving Turkish flags and chanting slogans in protest over the decision.
    Ipek Yezdani, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Patrick Henry’s legacy Henry went on to have a distinguished career in Virginia state politics, including serving five one-year terms as governor.
    Cassandra Good, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The International Documentary Association is adding a quartet of distinguished members of the nonfiction film community to its board of directors.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Read: Conan O’Brien understood the assignment The comedian’s staunch love for the goofiest non sequiturs means he’s guaranteed to use them on even the most prestigious stage.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The competition that followed turned Nature’s Best Photography into one of the most prestigious awards programs in the world.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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