1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in outstanding
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement
the Louisiana Purchase is cited by many historians as one of the most signal events in American history
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Updating signal equipment and adding a pedestrian flashing beacon.
—Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 11 July 2025
Carlo Versano
jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
But after staunchly backing Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas and its Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war, Macron is signaling that France’s support can only go so far.
—John Leicester, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for signal
Noun
The Trump administration has sent mixed signals in recent weeks about whether farmworkers will be swept up in its push to deport immigrants living in the country illegally.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Updating signal equipment and adding a pedestrian flashing beacon.
—Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 11 July 2025
Verb
Joe Rogan, Andrew Schulz, and Tim Dillon — three prominent voices from the manosphere — have begun openly criticizing Donald Trump on their respective podcasts, signaling a shift in the online culture that once helped...
—Carlo Versano
jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
But after staunchly backing Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas and its Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war, Macron is signaling that France’s support can only go so far.
—John Leicester, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
-
Where will flags be at half-staff in Wisconsin? Per Evers' executive order, American flag and the Wisconsin state flag fly half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the state of Wisconsin.—
Cailey Gleeson,
jsonline.com,
19 July 2025
-
On the inside of the ring, there is a Brazilian flag, which is where the season started.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
Noun
-
Before Lopez could really respond to the gesture, the skirt fell to the ground, leaving Lopez on stage in a shiny pair of gold underwear.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
27 July 2025
-
Some posed for photos, others made rude gestures, and many simply stared.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
27 July 2025
Verb
-
There also were other videos making the rounds on the internet in which Carrington and teammate Marina Mabrey were seen laughing later in the game, including Mabrey motioning with her fingers.—
Christine Brennan,
CNN Money,
6 July 2025
-
That is when a judge abruptly dismissed their case, despite the mother’s objections, because the judge sided with a DHS lawyer who motioned for the dismissal during the hearing, the complaint says.—
Julia Marnin,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Straight out of the Chris Jones playbook, Banks uses his length to create movement, and his effort from the backside is outstanding.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
-
The film had an outstanding run at the box office, opening with a record-breaking $183 million Memorial Day weekend debut.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
That the account belonging to the president of the United States is now posting to the entire world like a Facebook Uncle, though, is a troubling sign.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
22 July 2025
-
This could be a sign of a wider acceptance of cryptcurrency in the mainstream, some experts said.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
Verb
-
For example, open your jacket and raise or wave your arms.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
-
Hicks also laughed at the hysteria while waving his hands as the bat entered the tower.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
The organizers of the 2024 Games in Paris allowed some of that city’s most distinguished landmarks to be utilized as part of the spectacle.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
23 July 2025
-
With contributions spanning nearly three-decades in public education, Janicek has established a distinguished track record of innovative leadership, strategic foresight, and unparalleled community engagement, the news release stated.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Mitchell went to Europe immediately after college and has carved out a successful pro career, first in France for two years, then one with a different club in Turkey, then last season with Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania that competes in the prestigious EuroLeague.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 July 2025
-
The film, which has just been announced to world premiere in Toronto’s prestigious Platform competition, is a co-production between Argentina’s Ruda Cine and Switzerland’s Alina Film.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share