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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in courtesy
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
sent a handwritten thank-you note as a gesture of his gratitude
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 28 Mar. 2026
Some have gone further, publicly chewing khat on the campaign trail, a gesture that signals solidarity and which has become something of a ritual in Kenyan electoral cycles, with aspiring leaders competing to demonstrate the sincerity of their commitment to khat farmers and traders.
—Joseph Maina, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
The three- or four-story vignettes in each episode, which typically weave together to gesture at some larger theme, strike this balance as well.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Noun
His responses are supported by pre-programmed gestures, like waving, to make interactions more natural.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 28 Mar. 2026
Some have gone further, publicly chewing khat on the campaign trail, a gesture that signals solidarity and which has become something of a ritual in Kenyan electoral cycles, with aspiring leaders competing to demonstrate the sincerity of their commitment to khat farmers and traders.
—Joseph Maina, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
The movie does attempt to gesture at class and race as thematic underpinnings (the maids trapped in The Virgil are mostly non-white, while the villains are rich Caucasians), but like the story and action at large, these go pretty much nowhere, and feel like obligatory symbols.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
The three- or four-story vignettes in each episode, which typically weave together to gesture at some larger theme, strike this balance as well.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gesture
Noun
-
Dozens showed up to the Capitol on Tuesday, where advocates made speeches and attendees held signs and flags.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Dozens flocked to City Hall, wielding signs and voicing pleas for Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty, Sacramento City Manager Maraskeshia Smith and other council members to halt construction.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling The Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress from Brooklyn Bedding excels at temperature regulation courtesy of its advanced cooling technologies and breathable hybrid construction.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Tune into yourself while tuning out the outside world courtesy of an E-bike ride under the Tuscan sun, a stroll through the olive groves, a dip in the infinity pool, a meditative massage, or a private cooking class using ingredients sourced from the property.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Shawn Iles, 3rd, was also poised to reject the proposal before Burns’ motioned to table the discussion.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The photographer motioned her over, and took her picture.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There’s also a signal for modest instability nearby, particularly along the Gulf Coast.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
For more recommendations on improving your Wi-Fi, check out our guides to boosting your Wi-Fi signal and optimizing your network for the best performance.—
Iyaz Akhtar,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Friendly or the blank politeness of impartiality?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
-
His father was William Shawn, editor for 35 years of The New Yorker, known for his own mix of politeness and steel.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Passing motorists provided a continuous honking noise, often waving to the protesters.—
Paul Eisenberg,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The traditional Palm Sunday procession normally sees tens of thousands of Christians from around the world walk from the Mount of Olives down the narrow, hilly streets toward the Old City, waving palm fronds and singing.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The addition of Tomahawk cruise missiles, which are long-range strike-capable weapons, represents a measured change in Japan’s defense posture, prompting neighboring countries to monitor developments more closely.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Even before those strikes, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had warned that Tehran was prepared to shift its nuclear posture.—
Leila Gharagozlou,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Glamour Studio for simultaneous hair, make-up, and nail rituals is sure to be a hit with the highly coiffed residents of the Athenian Riviera.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Of all the Catholic rituals of Holy Week—the Palm Sunday procession; the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, on Holy Thursday; the Way of the Cross, on Good Friday—surely the most striking is the washing of the feet.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gesture. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
