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
Some fans use that as the signal to get into their position. Andy Mitten, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 Investors are also looking to Fed Chair Jerome Powell for signals on the path of monetary policy, as global central bankers gather in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for the Fed’s annual economic symposium from Thursday to Saturday. Pia Singh,lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
Your involvement signals importance and helps drive adoption. Kelly Starman, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Leaders in New York, Indiana, Ohio, Florida and other states have all signaled a willingness to enlist in the redistricting fight. Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • He was photographed hugging a flag at the Conservative Political Action Conference in March 2019.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
  • What did Trump say in his executive order about flag burning?
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Its value isn’t in delivering more data, but in offering a meaningful signal—tracking gestures, shared rhythms, and interaction patterns to reflect the effort behind emotional presence.
    Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Culture shifts slowly, but steady gestures build momentum.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But after a few moments, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez – standing on the other side of Trump – motioned for James to go ahead with Trump standing center stage.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • The singer, clad in black with bug-eyed shades gripping his face, motioned first to his left.
    Matt Sebastian, Denver Post, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • In 2024, he was also arrested for DUI but failed to appear in court, leaving an outstanding warrant.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Why do some 80-year-olds have exceptional memories and outstanding critical thinking skills?
    Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • There’s no sign administration officials, including Terrell, will let up in their campaign against higher education.
    Peter Elkind, ProPublica, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Another sign something was wrong: a childhood stutter reemerged.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As leaders in two major U.S. cities vehemently wave off President Donald Trump’s threat to send National Guard troops to address crime there, one question looms here.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2025
  • If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Brandon Barre Photography Born From a Bet: The Legendary Origin of The Vinoy The Vinoy first flung open its distinguished doors on New Year’s Eve in 1925, welcoming in a new era of luxury for the Gulf Coast.
    Katie Lara, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Murder Club is one of those productions that, like the Harry Potter films, gives employment to seemingly every distinguished British performer over the age of 40.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Social media users have reacted to Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, suggesting that the president has been overlooked for the prestigious award.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
  • The Carters are also boasting a billion-dollar powerhouse; 35-time Grammy award-winner and international superstar Beyoncé married hip-hop legend Jay-Z back in 2008, who also won 25 of the prestigious music awards.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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