as in movement
the act or an instance of changing position
we were instructed not to make any sudden motions or we might scare away the deer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 motion
Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 3 Feb. 2023
If the judge approves the McDonald’s directors’ motion to dismiss, the claims against Mr. Fairhurst would be moot.
—Dylan Tokar, WSJ, 2 Feb. 2023
Jim Talamonti | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Dec. 2024
Nacua motioned into his split last week and cut the screen outside.
—Tim Graham, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for motion 
Noun
This Sole elliptical features a whisper-quiet drive system, functions in backwards and forwards motion, and has a power incline feature that adds resistance and up to 20 incline levels.
—Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 3 Feb. 2023
If the judge approves the McDonald’s directors’ motion to dismiss, the claims against Mr. Fairhurst would be moot.
—Dylan Tokar, WSJ, 2 Feb. 2023
Verb
At Friday’s council meeting, which started about 30 minutes late, Alderman Jason Ervin motioned to recess until Monday.
—Jim Talamonti | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Dec. 2024
Nacua motioned into his split last week and cut the screen outside.
—Tim Graham, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for motion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motion
Noun
-
That movement gave way to a backlash that’s playing out in schools, businesses and the federal government.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
17 Feb. 2025
-
The mesmerizing movement of men tossing sticks of fire on the sand and people pulsing to the beat in a haze of hookah smoke felt like a scene plucked straight from the show.—
Anna Haines,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The most common ones waved by the flagman are: Green flag: Used to start or restart a race.—
Mark Long,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2025
-
The message was scrawled in chalk on the pavement surrounding the park and reflected on the posters demonstrators waved and in the messages from speakers.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
There is no law that explicitly forbids individuals from gesturing a military salute during the national anthem.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Dans gestured toward a Danish Royal Navy vessel moored in the harbor.—
Donie O'Sullivan,
CNN,
9 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
While flash flooding may extend from northern and central Florida to Maryland, Delaware and southern New Jersey, storms should largely wind down by Sunday evening as the front moves into the Atlantic.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
16 Feb. 2025
-
The move was slammed by Baldoni’s team in a memo sent Friday to U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Related article New bird flu infections in Nevada dairy cattle signal the virus may be here to stay Hilleman was born a year after the notorious 1918 influenza pandemic swept the world, killing 20 million to 100 million people.—
Alexandra M. Lord,
CNN,
9 Feb. 2025
-
Altman contributed $1 million to Trump’s inauguration, attended the event alongside other tech CEOs and has publicly signaled his admiration for the president.—
Hayden Field,
CNBC,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Various factors such as melting sea ice and shifts in the subtropical jet stream over the mid-latitudes in the U.S. may counteract each other.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA TODAY,
10 Feb. 2025
-
The move illustrates the state's shift over the last decade to a tougher stance on immigrants.—
Natalia Jaramillo,
Orlando Sentinel,
9 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near motion
Cite this Entry
“Motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motion. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share