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

Examples 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's no snow in the seven-day forecast, and the NWS's Climate Prediction Center doesn't have any clear signals about what might happen the rest of the winter. Nick Halter, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025 Young, who scored on the ground twice against Atlanta in Week 18, had as many rushing touchdowns on the season as Taysom Hill, Anthony Richardson and Jayden Daniels, all known for their dual-threat nature, and are certainly more prolific runners than the Panthers’ signal caller. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
Minter, however, could signal the Mets are out on left-handed reliever Tanner Scott, an All-Star in 2024 who recorded 22 saves for the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 The stock has buy or strong buy ratings from five of six analysts covering it, with the average price target signaling 33% upside, per LSEG. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for signal 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • President Joe Biden issued a proclamation declaring Jan. 9 a national day of mourning and ordering flags to half-staff for 30 days.
    Ty Gaskins, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
  • As part of the declaration, Biden ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for a period of 30 days following Carter's death.
    Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The who and how of recognition matter just as much as the gesture itself.
    Leeatt Rothschild, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Joe Biden's ceasefire plan also includes hazy gestures towards a future government for Gaza not including Hamas.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • As the crowd of protesters surged forward, some pushing against a police barricade that blocked them from Pastor Terry Jones, O'Reilly motioned with his hands for the crowd to move back, pleading with them to keep the peace.
    Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Another time, the Lions motioned receiver Tim Patrick into a seven-man protection situation, allowing Goff enough time to find Amon-Ra St. Brown for a 35-yard touchdown.
    Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • An outstanding spirit with a wonderfully rounded and smooth palate and a spicy crescendo.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Another outstanding question is whether there will be further expansion of access to medical marijuana through the state’s Compassionate Use Program.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In a sign that demand for high-end listings will quickly outpace supply, Eckardt hosted showings on Thursday for four rental properties.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Temporary help services have been adding jobs for the past two months after a long and precipitous slide, in a potential sign that employers are bringing on contingent labor to address surges in demand.
    Lydia DePillis, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Mi-Mo resembles a lamp affixed to a stool and is, in fact, a walking, waving robot.
    Chandra Steele, PCMAG, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Video shared by Syrian media showed people on board waving Syrian flags and singing nationalist songs.
    Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Lotus Shoes, by Jane Yang In 18th-century China, an embroidery artist is sold into slavery to the distinguished Fong family.
    Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Another distinguished participant was President Carter’s pastor, Tony Lowden.
    Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Four Milwaukee teenagers are celebrating after getting into the college of their dreams despite the prestigious school only having a 25% acceptance rate.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
  • One of the best parts of my job as Axios' transportation correspondent is evaluating the latest cars and trucks for this prestigious award.
    Joann Muller, Axios, 10 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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