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 press headlines reflect this divide and as Iranian and American negotiators prepare to meet, the tone of coverage could shape public opinion and signal how much political room Iran's government has to maneuver. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 The new location at 128 Spring Street is the brand’s third U.S. location, but, the CEO explained, is not a signal of a larger boutique roll out. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
Their routines, quiet and mundane, signal a growing — and largely invisible — crisis that threatens New York City’s future. Jonah Markowitz, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 Creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Last month, Trump signed an order to create a federal Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, signaling new federal support for cryptocurrency in general and Bitcoin in particular. Josh Meyer, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • Later, when the university sent a letter revoking its sponsorship of Mecha, the club’s members staged a protest at one of the school’s cultural centers, reportedly waving a Palestinian flag and refusing to leave.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The visiting president released a nearly 2-minute video chronicling his arrival that included shots of the two countries’ flags, U.S. military color guard, and of course, Bukele himself, exiting his plane and into a black SUV, dressed in all black and dark sunglasses.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Pulling off the gesture required significant behind-the-scenes planning by her husband.
    Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • These gestures can make your friends feel wanted.
    Danielle Bayard Jackson, Contributor, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Correa noticed López motioning toward his leg during a walk of Jonathan India and immediately went to the mound for a visit.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • After hitting a three-pointer, Morant motioned his arms to that of a large gun.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Listen to this article Mayor Adams on Monday urged the judge presiding over his public corruption case to hurry up and decide on outstanding dismissal motions before upcoming deadlines in the mayoral race.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025
  • One of those outstanding things could be the backup quarterback spot.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to taking medical history, your healthcare provider may perform the following exams: Physical exam: The provider will assess your hips, legs, and feet for signs of tightness or injury and measure your legs' range of motion.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The peaceful protesters waved signs targeting Trump and Musk.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • People were waving American flags and Ukrainian flags.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2025
  • He was also shown waving at Gretzky and blowing a kiss his way.
    Homero De la Fuente, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Michel Koopman is the CEO & Founder at CxO Coaching, with a distinguished career as a senior operator and entrepreneur.
    Michel Koopman, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Nestled along the storied banks of the River Thames, 15 Cheyne Walk stands as one of Chelsea’s most distinguished homes, a residence steeped in history, grandeur, and a 300-year-old legacy.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • So what are the dos and don'ts when attending the prestigious annual golf event?
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Some are cultural or narrative-driven, like the idea that education doesn’t pay well or isn’t a prestigious career.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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