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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of signals
Julia Daye, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
Bogen says the pattern is familiar from older Internet platforms, where small behavioral cues became signals that shaped what users saw and how they were categorized.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2026
Rather than decreasing the volume of betting, this restriction weakens legal operators by removing the clearest signals consumers have about which platforms are regulated and safe.
—Cláudia Nunes, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
The vibrations are converted into electrical signals and analyzed using deep learning algorithms developed by Appaji and his team at the university in collaboration with Dozee.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026
Nobel award winning scientist, Luc Montagnier has tested some of these early studies and found that certain substances, like DNA, emit electromagnetic signals.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Choosing to participate signals confidence in families and commitment to educational opportunity.
—Christopher P. Desanctis, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
Water officials said there were still more surveys happening across the Sierra Nevada, but early data signals this year's snowpack will be the second-lowest on record.
—Brandon Downs, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
See how the players use audio cues and tactile signals to round the bases and compete in America’s favorite pastime.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
Some have gone further, publicly chewing khat on the campaign trail, a gesture that signals solidarity and which has become something of a ritual in Kenyan electoral cycles, with aspiring leaders competing to demonstrate the sincerity of their commitment to khat farmers and traders.
—Joseph Maina, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
With the Tokyo photo call now generating buzz around the world, Black’s Bowser onesie moment signals that the energy surrounding The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is only building.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Ghalibaf’s rise signals a shift toward the Revolutionary Guard’s more uncompromising elements effectively running the country.
—Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations.
—Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
However, if the Fed signals further cuts ahead or adopts a more dovish tone in its April communications, that alone could shift market expectations.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
While report language is not enforceable by law, it is commonly used as leverage that signals congressional intent and puts agencies on notice — those that ignore it risk a harder time justifying their budgets to the same committee next year.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
The focus on lasers signals a shift toward cost-effective interception.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
In other words, wires get crossed and the brain sends pain signals a little north of the action.
—Julia Daye, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
Bogen says the pattern is familiar from older Internet platforms, where small behavioral cues became signals that shaped what users saw and how they were categorized.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2026
Rather than decreasing the volume of betting, this restriction weakens legal operators by removing the clearest signals consumers have about which platforms are regulated and safe.
—Cláudia Nunes, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
The vibrations are converted into electrical signals and analyzed using deep learning algorithms developed by Appaji and his team at the university in collaboration with Dozee.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026
Nobel award winning scientist, Luc Montagnier has tested some of these early studies and found that certain substances, like DNA, emit electromagnetic signals.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Choosing to participate signals confidence in families and commitment to educational opportunity.
—Christopher P. Desanctis, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
Water officials said there were still more surveys happening across the Sierra Nevada, but early data signals this year's snowpack will be the second-lowest on record.
—Brandon Downs, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
See how the players use audio cues and tactile signals to round the bases and compete in America’s favorite pastime.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
With The Super Mario Galaxy Movie heading toward release, Black’s Tokyo appearance signals that the sequel’s promotional tour is shaping up to be every bit as entertaining as the first.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
Some have gone further, publicly chewing khat on the campaign trail, a gesture that signals solidarity and which has become something of a ritual in Kenyan electoral cycles, with aspiring leaders competing to demonstrate the sincerity of their commitment to khat farmers and traders.
—Joseph Maina, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
With the Tokyo photo call now generating buzz around the world, Black’s Bowser onesie moment signals that the energy surrounding The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is only building.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Ghalibaf’s rise signals a shift toward the Revolutionary Guard’s more uncompromising elements effectively running the country.
—Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations.
—Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
However, if the Fed signals further cuts ahead or adopts a more dovish tone in its April communications, that alone could shift market expectations.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
While report language is not enforceable by law, it is commonly used as leverage that signals congressional intent and puts agencies on notice — those that ignore it risk a harder time justifying their budgets to the same committee next year.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
The focus on lasers signals a shift toward cost-effective interception.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signals
Noun
-
His mother’s apartment is also filled with American flags.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Our journey culminates in a gathering around the ceremonial South Pole, candy-cane striped and flanked by international flags—the symbolic marker of where all lines of longitude meet (the geographic South Pole is several feet away and must be moved every year due to geology).—
Laura Dannen Redman,
Robb Report,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Quiet, introspective moments coexist with more expansive, communal gestures, creating a layered emotional landscape.—
Olga Garcia-Mayoral,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
-
And the chairman and CEO of $428 billion energy giant Chevron, Mike Wirth, also believes in the power of meaningful gestures.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Serious Medical and Emotional Neglect Turner said Kaiko arrived in poor health, suffering from multiple medical issues and signs of prolonged neglect.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Oil steadied and Asian stocks were mostly trading lower Tuesday as signs of a de-escalation of the Iran war remained mixed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Tsunami waves up to 75 centimeters (30 inches) above normal tides were recorded at several monitoring stations around the Molucca Sea coast.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Every now and again, a brand-new book waves its knowing hand.—
Scott Hocker,
TheWeek,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Signals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signals. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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