signal 1 of 3

Definition of signalnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
These are not consumer-facing announcements, but signals of the company's strategic dedication to institutionalization, sustained research, and nurturing talent. William Jones, USA Today, 21 May 2026 Biased composition Because the thick morning clouds diluted the clear water vapor signals from the evening, the single-sphere model concluded that the planet’s metallicity—the abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium—was suspiciously high. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2026
Verb
Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 25 May 2026 Once Palace had completed the formalities, the dressing room bell sounded — the same bell Arsenal heard pre-game to signal the start of the match now marked the campaign’s ultimate conclusion; the final bell on this special season. James McNicholas, New York Times, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • That same month, Talarico’s campaign spokesman, JT Ennis, issued an official response to the vegan pronouncements on his boss' behalf, sharing a photo of Talarico taking a large bite of a massive turkey leg while wearing a button-down with a Texas flag design.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • In the front lobby and outside Halverson’s office, a large wall features a mural that welcomes people to the school in 24 different languages, next to it, an American flag.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • The service The resort staff are freshly plucked from some of the best luxury Maldives resorts and global Ritz-Carlton properties, and greet each passing guest with an endearing right-hand-on-the-heart gesture and a nod.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • In a sea of prestige actresses doing dramedy, Byrne is a true comedic talent, sporting incredible instincts for finding the funniest angle for Sylvia to take in her line readings or gestures.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Another incident identified by police allegedly occurred on March 27, when Berrios-Otero allegedly motioned for a 4-year-old child to sit on his lap and directed him to get a blanket, according to the warrant affidavits.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • Referee Kelly Sutherland immediately ruled it a legal goal and motioned to say Hunt pushed the Avs captain into his own goalie.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • Contrary to their sides of years past, this iteration of PSG are physically outstanding — and Luis Enrique rotates his players in the less-demanding and smaller (18 teams to the Premier League’s 20) Ligue 1 to ensure that.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 31 May 2026
  • Two additional outstanding narrator wins followed in 2019 for Our Planet, Netflix’s first-ever nature doc, and in 2020 for the BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet.
    Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • War came in the summer of 1914 because of the all-encompassing fear that had gripped many Great Power leaders, looking for signs that they would be attacked.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 May 2026
  • There were two locations filmed for this video, one 200+ feet away from the ballot box (with signs) and one next to the ballot box (no signs).
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Outside his home, on Buchanan Street near Mission Avenue, a handful of friends and neighbors gathered Monday alongside the road to wave the flag that Sheron so proudly displayed at his house.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026
  • Along the way, people lined sidewalks to wave American flags and quietly salute the motorcade carrying the soldiers’ remains, which had been unexpectedly unearthed at a construction site in 2019.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • Lloyd’s long and distinguished career as an inventor and entrepreneur included an early collaboration with Nobel Prize-winning physicist and Manhattan Project scientist Luis Alvarez at the former Radiation Laboratory, now the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
  • Leaf, a distinguished diplomatic fellow at the Middle East Institute, said that Middle Eastern allies of the United States recognize that Iran will likely use any money from sanctions relief to bolster its military capabilities.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, a prestigious global dining guide curated by over 1,000 culinary experts, just revealed its top 50 restaurants in North America, with nine California picks and four Los Angeles restaurants.
    Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • San Diego native and Nickel Creek band co-founder Chris Thile has been named the music director for the 2027 Ojai Music Festival, one of the classical music world’s most prestigious and consistently groundbreaking annual events.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

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