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
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Recent Examples of signals
Julia Daye, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
Bogen says the pattern is familiar from older Internet platforms, where small behavioral cues became signals that shaped what users saw and how they were categorized.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2026
Rather than decreasing the volume of betting, this restriction weakens legal operators by removing the clearest signals consumers have about which platforms are regulated and safe.
—Cláudia Nunes, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
The vibrations are converted into electrical signals and analyzed using deep learning algorithms developed by Appaji and his team at the university in collaboration with Dozee.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026
Nobel award winning scientist, Luc Montagnier has tested some of these early studies and found that certain substances, like DNA, emit electromagnetic signals.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Choosing to participate signals confidence in families and commitment to educational opportunity.
—Christopher P. Desanctis, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
Water officials said there were still more surveys happening across the Sierra Nevada, but early data signals this year's snowpack will be the second-lowest on record.
—Brandon Downs, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
See how the players use audio cues and tactile signals to round the bases and compete in America’s favorite pastime.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
Dana Santas, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
Whether the pullback is technical or fundamental Another consideration is whether gold's recent drop actually signals a true turning point or is simply a reset after a rapid climb.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
The update, shared on April 2, signals that the project is moving from structural assembly into the critical phase before flight testing, with a first flight planned for 2027.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
april 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Even in smokedope’s world, where cloud rap’s misty run continued long after 2016, the end of THE COMEDOWN signals a rebirth akin to Lean’s after Warlord—an end to the endless party, a chance for new beginnings.
—Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 1 Apr. 2026
Israeli strikes in Beirut killed at least seven people and wounded 24, with additional strikes across southern Lebanon as Israel signals plans to occupy a large swath of the region.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Retail stocks showed mixed performance, financials were largely flat, and homebuilders failed to rally meaningfully – signals that economic confidence remains shaky.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2026
Ghalibaf’s rise signals a shift toward the Revolutionary Guard’s more uncompromising elements effectively running the country.
—Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
In other words, wires get crossed and the brain sends pain signals a little north of the action.
—Julia Daye, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
Bogen says the pattern is familiar from older Internet platforms, where small behavioral cues became signals that shaped what users saw and how they were categorized.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2026
Rather than decreasing the volume of betting, this restriction weakens legal operators by removing the clearest signals consumers have about which platforms are regulated and safe.
—Cláudia Nunes, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
The vibrations are converted into electrical signals and analyzed using deep learning algorithms developed by Appaji and his team at the university in collaboration with Dozee.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026
Nobel award winning scientist, Luc Montagnier has tested some of these early studies and found that certain substances, like DNA, emit electromagnetic signals.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Choosing to participate signals confidence in families and commitment to educational opportunity.
—Christopher P. Desanctis, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
Water officials said there were still more surveys happening across the Sierra Nevada, but early data signals this year's snowpack will be the second-lowest on record.
—Brandon Downs, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
See how the players use audio cues and tactile signals to round the bases and compete in America’s favorite pastime.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
Asymmetrical effort often signals a compensation pattern rooted in a dominant-side habit or an old injury that never fully resolved.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
Whether the pullback is technical or fundamental Another consideration is whether gold's recent drop actually signals a true turning point or is simply a reset after a rapid climb.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
The update, shared on April 2, signals that the project is moving from structural assembly into the critical phase before flight testing, with a first flight planned for 2027.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
april 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Even in smokedope’s world, where cloud rap’s misty run continued long after 2016, the end of THE COMEDOWN signals a rebirth akin to Lean’s after Warlord—an end to the endless party, a chance for new beginnings.
—Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 1 Apr. 2026
Israeli strikes in Beirut killed at least seven people and wounded 24, with additional strikes across southern Lebanon as Israel signals plans to occupy a large swath of the region.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Retail stocks showed mixed performance, financials were largely flat, and homebuilders failed to rally meaningfully – signals that economic confidence remains shaky.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2026
Ghalibaf’s rise signals a shift toward the Revolutionary Guard’s more uncompromising elements effectively running the country.
—Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signals
Noun
-
Split flags of Mexico and the United States are found inside the lining of the keyhole, while a soccer net hangs in the middle.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Many of the thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets brandished weapons including guns and daggers, while others waved Lebanese, Palestinian, Iranian and Hezbollah flags.—
Billy Stockwell,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Quiet, introspective moments coexist with more expansive, communal gestures, creating a layered emotional landscape.—
Olga Garcia-Mayoral,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
-
And the chairman and CEO of $428 billion energy giant Chevron, Mike Wirth, also believes in the power of meaningful gestures.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Serious Medical and Emotional Neglect Turner said Kaiko arrived in poor health, suffering from multiple medical issues and signs of prolonged neglect.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Oil steadied and Asian stocks were mostly trading lower Tuesday as signs of a de-escalation of the Iran war remained mixed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Tsunami waves up to 75 centimeters (30 inches) above normal tides were recorded at several monitoring stations around the Molucca Sea coast.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Every now and again, a brand-new book waves its knowing hand.—
Scott Hocker,
TheWeek,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Signals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signals. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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