1
as in flags
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in gestures
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 motions
to direct or notify by a movement or gesture
signaled the oncoming traffic to stop while the wrecked car was being towed away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of signals
Ming Zhu,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Prosecutors told jurors at trial that the group's actions — including bringing firearms, first aid kits and wearing body armor — were signals of nefarious intent.
—
Steven Rosenbaum,
CBS News,
1 July 2026
Some encouraging signals suggest the will to close the funding gap may exist.
—
Florencia Canelli,
Scientific American,
1 July 2026
The warning came after a key naval information group had proposed alternative shipping corridors on Saturday, asking shipowners to consider transiting the strait along the southern route with their transponder signals on.
—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
25 June 2026
The system processes pilot inputs through computers and transmits electrical signals to flight controls, improving safety, reliability, maneuverability, and reducing aircraft weight by removing mechanical linkages.
—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
25 June 2026
Investors often review research, historical patterns, market signals, and risk factors before making decisions.
—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
These decisions shape some of the clearest signals a brand sends at the point of purchase.
—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
25 June 2026
Jennifer Borresen,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
The move signals clear premium intent, reinforcing craftsmanship, scarcity and elevated price architecture.
—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
However, this signals a potential demotion of Gregory Soto from the primary save share.
—
Greg Jewett,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
Its $18 price target, up from $15, signals a gain of 25% from Tuesday’s close.
—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
1 July 2026
Hearing loss develops gradually, so there’s rarely a clear moment that signals something’s wrong.
—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 July 2026
The announcement signals that the contest between America and China has moved beyond software and chatbots into a struggle for control of the infrastructure that will shape economic, military and technological power in the 21st century.
—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2026
While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations, these are typically corrected or mitigated during the inspection, according to the Sacramento County Retail Food Inspection Guide.
—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
june 26,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2026
Noun
The agencies building genuine depth here—understanding entity relationships, AI crawlability, the specific mechanics of how different platforms weight authority signals—have a window that will not stay open indefinitely.
—
Ming Zhu,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Prosecutors told jurors at trial that the group's actions — including bringing firearms, first aid kits and wearing body armor — were signals of nefarious intent.
—
Steven Rosenbaum,
CBS News,
1 July 2026
Some encouraging signals suggest the will to close the funding gap may exist.
—
Florencia Canelli,
Scientific American,
1 July 2026
The warning came after a key naval information group had proposed alternative shipping corridors on Saturday, asking shipowners to consider transiting the strait along the southern route with their transponder signals on.
—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
25 June 2026
The system processes pilot inputs through computers and transmits electrical signals to flight controls, improving safety, reliability, maneuverability, and reducing aircraft weight by removing mechanical linkages.
—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
25 June 2026
Investors often review research, historical patterns, market signals, and risk factors before making decisions.
—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
These decisions shape some of the clearest signals a brand sends at the point of purchase.
—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
25 June 2026
Verb
The goal is to make the stomach able to hold more food before the brain signals that the competitive eater is full.
—
Jennifer Borresen,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
The move signals clear premium intent, reinforcing craftsmanship, scarcity and elevated price architecture.
—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
However, this signals a potential demotion of Gregory Soto from the primary save share.
—
Greg Jewett,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
Its $18 price target, up from $15, signals a gain of 25% from Tuesday’s close.
—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
1 July 2026
Hearing loss develops gradually, so there’s rarely a clear moment that signals something’s wrong.
—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 July 2026
The announcement signals that the contest between America and China has moved beyond software and chatbots into a struggle for control of the infrastructure that will shape economic, military and technological power in the 21st century.
—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2026
While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations, these are typically corrected or mitigated during the inspection, according to the Sacramento County Retail Food Inspection Guide.
—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
june 26,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signals
Noun
-
Wherever 21-year-old Filipina rising star Alexandra Eala plays, a Filipino diaspora packs the stands with flags and Tagalog chants, giving her a home-court edge.
-
Other common flags include water retention in the legs and ankles that worsens as the day goes on, persistent fatigue that sleep doesn’t resolve and a tendency to catch colds more frequently than usual.
Noun
-
Good Lock is Samsung’s official app for deep customisation, lock screens, themes, gestures, and more, and LockStar is the module specifically for lock screen and always-on display tinkering.
-
In the afternoon, the moon will make an opposition to Venus in Leo, which is where gestures or our desire for affection become more complicated.
Verb
-
Luz, the group’s search leader and spokesperson for the day, immediately motions with her hand for the group to drive forward.
Noun
-
Photos of wallets, textiles, sports equipment, photos, jewelry, signs, flags, quilts, stuffies, toys and camp trunks filled the page as strangers banded together in the comments sections, tagging potential rightful owners or friends with any leads.
-
What are the signs that game fatigue may be something more serious?
Verb
-
Paula waves off a call from Geri about next steps and settles in to make guacamole.
-
Not to the American fan who calls it soccer, waves the flag and doesn't apologize for loving his country.
Cite this Entry
“Signals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signals. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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