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
The Trump administration has sent mixed signals in recent weeks about whether farmworkers will be swept up in its push to deport immigrants living in the country illegally. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025 Updating signal equipment and adding a pedestrian flashing beacon. Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 11 July 2025
Verb
Google usage among Gen Z declined 25% compared to Gen X, signaling a generational pivot. Dani Nadel, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 The Six of Cups can also signal that someone from your past may be reentering your life, offering you closure or clarity. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • Where will flags be at half-staff in Wisconsin? Per Evers' executive order, American flag and the Wisconsin state flag fly half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the state of Wisconsin.
    Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 19 July 2025
  • On the inside of the ring, there is a Brazilian flag, which is where the season started.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • In an unprecedented diplomatic gesture, the United Kingdom’s royal family will welcome President Donald Trump for a second state visit this fall.
    Brendan Rascius July 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • Witnesses described two identical incidents in which a man approached two children, ages 4 and 6, and made inappropriate gestures at them before being chased away by witnesses, police said.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 12 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
Adjective
  • The film had an outstanding run at the box office, opening with a record-breaking $183 million Memorial Day weekend debut.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Straight out of the Chris Jones playbook, Banks uses his length to create movement, and his effort from the backside is outstanding.
    Dane Brugler, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • If the description feels vague, overly broad, or reads like a copy-paste from a generic template, that could be a sign the posting isn’t tied to a real opening.
    Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Yellow leaves are a sign of several issues that can occur when growing cucumbers, from watering issues to too much sun.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 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
Adjective
  • The organizers of the 2024 Games in Paris allowed some of that city’s most distinguished landmarks to be utilized as part of the spectacle.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 July 2025
  • In June, Adam Sadovsky, with nearly 18 years of experience at Google, most recently as a distinguished software engineer and senior director at DeepMind, decamped to Microsoft.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Mitchell went to Europe immediately after college and has carved out a successful pro career, first in France for two years, then one with a different club in Turkey, then last season with Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania that competes in the prestigious EuroLeague.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 July 2025
  • The film, which has just been announced to world premiere in Toronto’s prestigious Platform competition, is a co-production between Argentina’s Ruda Cine and Switzerland’s Alina Film.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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