signal 1 of 3

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
Not just as a matter of technical FX movement, but as a signal of political ambition, shifting global sentiment, and increasing systemic risk. Carrie McCabe, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Among the methods being examined: Using radio signals to jam drones or force them to land. CBS News, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
Roster limits could signal the end of the walk-on athlete in college sports and, as Utah freshman swimmer Gannon Flynn noted in his testimony as an objector, also imperil smaller sports programs that feed the U.S. Olympic teams. Eric Olson, Baltimore Sun, 23 Apr. 2025 Black smoke appearing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel signals an inconclusive vote, while white smoke announces a new Pope has been elected. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
Noun
  • The visiting president released a nearly 2-minute video chronicling his arrival that included shots of the two countries’ flags, U.S. military color guard, and of course, Bukele himself, exiting his plane and into a black SUV, dressed in all black and dark sunglasses.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Later, when the university sent a letter revoking its sponsorship of Mecha, the club’s members staged a protest at one of the school’s cultural centers, reportedly waving a Palestinian flag and refusing to leave.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In an uncommon gesture, Iran also joined in condemning the killings.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Garfield was an actor known for his wide range, capable of a disarming naturalness and with a capacity for carefully nuanced gestures.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Since the case was moved to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Clifton and the city have motioned to dismiss Pinyan’s lawsuit, records show.
    Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Meta motioned to end the case last April, but Boasberg denied it, ruling in November that the company must face trial.
    Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The thicker frame is reminiscent of an earlier era filled with outstanding fashion.
    Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Tran, in particular, gives an outstanding performance as Angela, alternately withdrawn and explosively emotional.
    James Factora, Them., 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And where the signs of new beginnings are evident everywhere.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025
  • In 2023 researchers led by Nikku Madhusudhan, an astrophysicist at the University of Cambridge, announced the first signs of dimethyl sulfide in K2-18 b’s atmosphere.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Counter-protesters posted up on street corners outside the college campus, waving pro-Trump flags and gathering signatures for the latest effort to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom from office.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Sallas and his team cater to both beginner and intermediate riders, educating on everything from surf etiquette and wave knowledge to performing more advanced maneuvers like cutbacks and snaps.
    Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Over time, inhaling these harmful chemicals can contribute to progressive lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to Sanjay Sethi, MD, SUNY distinguished professor and chief of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the University at Buffalo.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Palmer was just one of several celebrities and distinguished guests who attended the Fashion Trust Awards on Tuesday.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • President Trump has long celebrated his familial ties to MIT, a prestigious college that has spared no criticism of the administration's policies in recent weeks.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • International students – including at prestigious American universities – have been targeted amid the Trump administration’s larger immigration crackdown.
    Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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