gesture 1 of 2

1
as in sign
a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or feeling a teenager who often shrugs her shoulders in a gesture of indifference

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2

gesture

2 of 2

verb

as in to motion
to direct or notify by a movement or gesture the police officer gestured me to the side of the road to tell me my headlight was out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 gesture
Noun
On its face, this gesture is considerate and appropriate. R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 9 July 2025 These unexpected gestures show appreciation and deepen the relationship. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
Swift asked after the first chorus, gesturing to Brown. Bryan West, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 The doctor gestured to a low bench near the smoldering hearth. Literary Hub, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for gesture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gesture
Noun
  • This could be a sign of a wider acceptance of cryptcurrency in the mainstream, some experts said.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 22 July 2025
  • That the account belonging to the president of the United States is now posting to the entire world like a Facebook Uncle, though, is a troubling sign.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Glasses of Whispering Angel and palomas were knocked back — near the end of the party, the rosé had run dry — and mini lobster rolls and chilled shrimp, courtesy of Clam Bar Catering, were sampled.
    Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 18 July 2025
  • Its roots are Cuban, with its impeccable production — courtesy of husband Emilio Estefan Jr. — bringing yesterday and today to the forefront through the voice of Latin music’s original groundbreaking diva.
    Leila Cobo, Billboard, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • There also were other videos making the rounds on the internet in which Carrington and teammate Marina Mabrey were seen laughing later in the game, including Mabrey motioning with her fingers.
    Christine Brennan, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
  • That is when a judge abruptly dismissed their case, despite the mother’s objections, because the judge sided with a DHS lawyer who motioned for the dismissal during the hearing, the complaint says.
    Julia Marnin, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • These micro-interactions are powerful signals of respect.
    London Business School, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Matches and a lighter can help start fire to act as an emergency signal in times of need.
    Helena Wegner July 14, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • For example, open your jacket and raise or wave your arms.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 22 July 2025
  • Hicks also laughed at the hysteria while waving his hands as the bat entered the tower.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • Members of the House will also debate a measure that could clarify the federal government’s regulatory posture toward crypto, as well as another bill that would prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing its own digital asset.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • Despite its autonomous posture, Varda is not actually anti-human spaceflight.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • By making this a daily ritual for babies, parents can reap the benefits as well.
    Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Wilson reportedly collapsed after being punched in the chest during a fraternity ritual.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Stewart backed their rote enthusiasm with white-boy disco-dance moves and gesticulations modeled after Colbert’s clowning on his own show.
    Armond White, National Review, 25 July 2025
  • Eli Mintz, a Yiddish-theatre star, played Uncle David with a high, wheedling voice, his hands a blur of gesticulation, and the Goldberg children were portrayed by Gentile actors, including the endearing Arlene (Fuzzy) McQuade as the preteen Rosalie, a studious girl with a sleek bob.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gesture. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on gesture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!