gesture 1 of 2

1
as in sign
a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or feeling a teenager who often shrugs her shoulders in a gesture of indifference

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2

gesture

2 of 2

verb

as in to motion
to direct or notify by a movement or gesture the police officer gestured me to the side of the road to tell me my headlight was out

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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 gesture
Noun
The second, from the top of the key, came with a signature gesture — Plum pointing to her veins, signaling the ice running through them. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025 Both get some sharp one-liners and there are plot gestures that try to deepen our sense of each character. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
Verb
Bruce Springsteen gestures during a rally for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in Atlanta, Georgia, on Oct. 24, 2024. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 16 May 2025 Lord Grade, chairman of Ofcom, gestured to this when asked by lawmakers if the media regulator has any concerns about RedBird IMI’s interest in ITV. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for gesture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gesture
Noun
  • The inspector also cited four separate hand-washing violations, including sinks without soap or paper towels, one lacking a required sign and another used to store a sanitizer bucket.
    Zach Everson, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Fans lined up early and made signs to catch a glimpse of the future star.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • This obsession recently led me to the most fabulous adventure in the South of France, courtesy of Matiere Premiere.
    Stixx Mathews, Essence, 2 June 2025
  • That is the likely expectation on Wall Street courtesy of higher production from OPEC+ as well as non-OPEC producers like the U.S., Brazil, Canada and Guyana.
    Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • According to the firm's statement, Sheil, 22, successfully motioned to dismiss three of Gifford's original claims in December 2024.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 30 May 2025
  • Cora walked him back and held a brief meeting on the mound with all the infielders before motioning to the bullpen.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • The $650 billion staffing industry is shifting beneath our feet, and the clearest signal is this: traditional staffing companies are starting to look more like tech platforms.
    John Winsor, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • To defend themselves from drone strikes, both armies seek to jam the signals that link drones to their operators, often using portable electronic-warfare systems.
    Nataliya Gumenyuk, The Atlantic, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Many of the supporters, who included a 12-year-old girl dressed as the president, donned pro-Trump t-shirts and other attire, waving American flags to catch the attention of passersby, some of whom slammed on their horns in solidarity.
    Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • Jack Lang’s eulogy — beginning with a haunting photo (top) of Xana, waving a flag on a deserted pitch with her father looking on after his Barcelona side’s 2015 Champions League final victory — will do a good job of moving you to tears.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Given Moscow’s reticence over peace talks, momentum seems to be growing for taking a more aggressive posture backing sanctions.
    Emily Brooks, The Hill, 28 May 2025
  • Analyze threats and vulnerabilities to strengthen organizational security posture.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • When your workday ends, physically close your laptop, turn off work notifications and transition into personal time with intentional rituals.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Different communities worship different icons and have different ways of performing the rituals.
    Foster Klug, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Musk also has a history of doing weird gesticulations on stage.
    James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
  • Darius was also quite good but went a little too over the top with his gesticulations to come off sincere.
    Charlie Mason, TVLine, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gesture. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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