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
  • The new release also includes a shovel, a tree without leaves, a harp, what appears to be a single radish and the flag of Sark, which is a self-governing island in the Channel Islands.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • This applies only if their return was submitted accurately and did not trigger any flags for additional processing.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Google’s gesture may be attractive to a new set of potential customers.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Despite this, just seconds after the final whistle, Lucas Vazquez approached the away end at the Emirates Stadium — where more than 2,000 Madrid fans were in attendance — and promised them with gestures that Madrid would win in the second leg of the quarter-final.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After hitting a three-pointer, Morant motioned his arms to that of a large gun.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The friend motioned at her to come in and close the door.
    David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The trouble with international prosecutions The ICC has a long list of outstanding arrest warrants, including for former dictator Omar al-Bashir, who ruled Sudan for three decades before being deposed in 2019.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Two additional persons charged – Sayed Ali, 59, of Richmond, and Stephanie Huerta, 35, of Houston – are considered fugitives, and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests, the U.S. attorney's office said.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 5 Apr. 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
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Maxton Hall Season 2 Is Underway — Here’s Everything to Know About the Series' Return When Ruby (Harriet Herbig-Matten) accidentally uncovers an explosive secret at her prestigious high school, millionaire heir James (Damian Hardung) has to keep her close.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Darryn Peterson on Tuesday night joined a veritable ‘who’s who’ in the basketball world in winning co-MVP honors at the prestigious McDonald’s All-America game at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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