signal 1 of 3

Definition of signalnext
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
The rebound came as financial markets seized on a couple of tenuous signals for hope about a possible end to the war. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026 This minimizes overlap and ensures that each signal remains distinct at the receiver. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
Unexplained shoulder pain could signal a more serious problem, experts warn. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026 Bond yields pulled back sharply after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled last week, in at talk at Harvard University, that the central bank would hold off on raising interest rates despite higher oil prices. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • Unlike Apollo, which focused on fast flags and footprints in a breakneck race against the Soviet Union, Artemis is striving for a sustainable moon base elaborate enough to satisfy even the most hard-core science fiction fans.
    Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The Baltimore design reflects that identity, blending Maryland flag colors with deeper design elements meant to mirror the city’s personality.
    Michael Howes, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • After missing 27 consecutive games with a sore right knee, days of rehab and setbacks, that simple gesture said it all.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The banner, more reminiscent of the way leaders are plastered on government buildings in a dictatorship like North Korea, is just the type of gesture the president expects.
    Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 5 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
Adjective
  • The show won nine Emmys during its run, including an outstanding comedy series win and an outstanding lead actress award for O’Hara, both in 2020.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The special coins recognize those over the age of 70 for outstanding service to their communities, and the number of recipients matches the age of the monarch.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026
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
Verb
  • Before retreating into the basilica, Leo stepped forward out of the loggia's shadow and waved to the cheering crowd below.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Guthrie then walked out and waved to the crowd while locking arms with Jenna Bush Hager; the pair could be seen sharing a long hug before stepping outside.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Saudi Arabia is using its East-West pipeline, which stretches from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, to transfer about 5 million barrels per day out of the Gulf, said Michael Lynch, distinguished fellow at Energy Policy Research Foundation, a non-partisan institution focused on energy and economics.
    Cathy Bussewitz, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Advertisement Curtis Bradley, a distinguished service professor of law at the University of Chicago, told TIME that there is, at least, some precedent, citing President Jimmy Carter's withdrawal from a mutual defense treaty with Taiwan in 1978, which was formalized in 1980.
    Tiago Ventura, Time, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • He is also given the opportunity to return to his former employer, the prestigious hedge fund Bailey Russell.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026
  • But in the championship game of the prestigious city tournament that January, Davis entered the game and took four charges.
    Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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