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

Examples 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
Meta also declared its first-ever dividend — a signal to investors of CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s confidence in achieving profitable growth while keeping a focus on cash generation. Zev Fima, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2024 Scientists won't know whether Parker survived or its condition until Friday, when it's expected to send its first signal back to Earth since its fly-by. Juliana Kim, NPR, 25 Dec. 2024
Verb
Trump has signaled that the United States would not intervene in Syria and has indicated a desire to complete the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria at a time when Russia’s and Iran’s positions have weakened. Amos Yadlin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Dec. 2024 In a press briefing, … Read more Lawmakers signal movement toward government funding deal Top Republicans are signaling progress in government funding talks as leaders look to clinch a deal ahead of a looming Friday deadline. Julia Shapero, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Any re-entry before Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty is fully restored, war crimes perpetrators are brought to justice, and reparations are addressed will not only tarnish their reputation but also signal corporate complicity in Russia’s ongoing aggression. Nezir Sinani, Fortune Europe, 21 Nov. 2024 Rush needed to get something going for Dallas after an opening-drive fake punt was thwarted by Houston, and the signal caller threw an interception on the team’s second drive. Scott Thompson, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for signal 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • Half-mast refers to flags flown on ships, while half-staff is used for flags flown on land.
    Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 21 Dec. 2024
  • Leon raised his Rickey Henderson flag outside his Oakland home.
    Melissa Lockard, The Athletic, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The Hack: Subtle mirroring—sitting in a similar posture or adopting comparable gestures—signals alignment and understanding.
    Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Foxx reportedly exclaimed, reacting to the inappropriate gesture.
    Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The prosecutor motioned to the guard to remove the handcuffs.
    Lee Chang-dong, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2024
  • At Friday’s council meeting, which started about 30 minutes late, Alderman Jason Ervin motioned to recess until Monday.
    Jim Talamonti | The Center Square contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The Caps are terrific, thanks in part to an outstanding offseason and a few key breakouts.
    Hailey Salvian, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Differentiating your brand requires not only creating outstanding products but also crafting a narrative that resonates with your target audience.
    Lara Devgan, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Those are the signs, so limited and yet so hopeful, coming from from Samy and River, the two victims who remain in critical condition following the Abundant Life Christian School shootings Dec. 16 in Madison.
    Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 30 Dec. 2024
  • With a record of 4-11, the Jets are playing for pride and looking for signs of growth heading into the offseason.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Blankenship raised both of his hands to near eye level, kept his left one still and waved the fingers on his left hand while his mouth was agape.
    Scott Powers, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
  • The company’s chairman, technology chief and top shareholder strutted onto the stage in a black sweater and jeans, waved to the analysts, licked his lips and sat down.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The distinguished field has its share of bad actors who have made news with their professional or personal wrongdoings.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 25 Dec. 2024
  • Each portion of the cannabis value chain was organized in its own section, clearly marked, and well distinguished from the others.
    Andrew DeAngelo, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Traditionally, a handful of prestigious journals have wielded significant control over which research gets published.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 25 Dec. 2024
  • Tay eventually moved on from acting altogether, going on to study economics at the prestigious Yale University.
    Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

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