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
Federal purchases of crypto would send a signal that crypto is here to stay, encouraging other respected financial institutions to buy in. Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025 Trump’s dramatic policy shifts are already sending mixed signals to the markets. Art Durnev, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
Trump, however, has signaled the opposite... Trump and his team have not proposed in public a single concession that Putin should make to end this war. Aila Slisco, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 President Donald Trump’s lengthy address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night at the U.S. Capitol had its share of protests from legislators with several using clothing to signal their disapproval of the current administration’s policies and budgetary cuts. Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • After the crash, Berry shared his relief about the caution flag being issued, alluding to past inconsistencies in similar race situations across multiple series.
    Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
  • That included the acquisition of exclusive licenses from the major pro leagues, none more prominent than the company’s latest jersey deal with the NHL, the first time the Fanatics flag logo has appeared on the uniforms players wear during games.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Musk’s recent controversial behavior includes addressing an inauguration audience with a gesture many interpreted to be a Nazi salute.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The actress didn't seem to shy away from the gesture, and appeared to welcome the affectionate embrace.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • As the running back motioned across the formation, Howard faked a handoff to him and instead pitched the ball to receiver Emeka Egbuka, who followed his blockers on a simple counter play.
    Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Amazon motioned to dismiss both counts of the complaint on Jan. 17, but Judge Kevin Castel denied the request.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • That show earned her Emmy noms for lead actress in a drama series and outstanding writing for a drama series — in addition to BAFTA and Peabody wins.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Proceeds from the sale will go to partially pre-pay outstanding bank loans, according to ABS-CBN, which has shrunk in size and been losing money since Congress didn't renew its broadcasting franchise in 2020.
    Ian Sayson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Officials have said no signs of foul play are apparent, and an autopsy found no external trauma to either Hackman or Arakawa.
    Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Then, when Mars moved into your sign, emotional layers resurfaced.
    Colin Bedell, Them, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Zelensky waved through the window to reporters as his motorcade left the White House grounds, concluding an explosive visit to Washington that did not go as planned.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Hundreds of supporters were there, waving German flags and singing the national anthem.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Curio’s approach to waste fuel recycling was supported by Per Peterson, distinguished professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, who shared his thoughts with me in both emails and an interview.
    Jim Vinoski, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Behold then the inspiration extravaganza that is the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach, where over 30 rooms have been transformed through March 16 into set pieces by 23 distinguished designers and architects.
    Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are among the most prestigious awards for postgraduate study in the world.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • She’s never gone to the prestigious awards show to perform or attend.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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