motion 1 of 2

noun

ˈmō-shən How to pronounce motion (audio)
Definition of motionnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

motion

2 of 2

verb

as in to wave
to direct or notify by a movement or gesture the referee motioned the team captains to confer with him on the sideline

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
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
As the crowd of protesters surged forward, some pushing against a police barricade that blocked them from Pastor Terry Jones, O'Reilly motioned with his hands for the crowd to move back, pleading with them to keep the peace. — Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2025 Another time, the Lions motioned receiver Tim Patrick into a seven-man protection situation, allowing Goff enough time to find Amon-Ra St. Brown for a 35-yard touchdown. — Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for motion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motion
  1. movement
  2. wave
  3. gesture
  4. move
  5. signal
  6. shift
Noun
  • Some historians might trace airborne warfare to earlier conflicts, when reconnaissance balloons offered eagle-eyed views of battlefields and troop movements.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The fatal fight comes as state prison officials have moved to restrict some inmate movements at their facilities amid a wave of deadly violence.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of movement
Verb
  • Cage posed, waving for cameras, on the same day his ex Christina Fulton dismissed him from an assault lawsuit against their son, Weston Coppola Cage, 34.
    — Sharareh Drury, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The video transitions to a scene where the present-day Bad Bunny is seen running through a field, proudly waving the Puerto Rican flag, before arriving at a local community gathering.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of wave
Verb
  • The people on board the helicopter gestured to him that another boat would arrive soon to take him home.
    — Michael Rios, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The video started with Earle smiling and gesturing a lasso motion while the song played its catchy chorus.
    — Skyler Caruso, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of gesture
Noun
  • This post will be updated as roster moves are made during free agency, so check back often.
    — Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The move is slated to go into effect Wednesday morning.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of move
Verb
  • While Missouri Republicans have largely touted state control as a way to curtail crime in Kansas City, the results signal that the system is not widely popular across the state.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The White House is signaling that postwar investment in Ukraine would serve as a de facto security agreement, entangling American interests and creating much greater risks for future Russian invasions.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of signal
Noun
  • In the court documents, the prosecuting attorney wrote that Jones did operate a legitimate business at one point but there was a shift in August 2018.
    — Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Most tech leaders are positive about this shift, with many lining up to contribute and participate, in sectors from chips and applications to infrastructure and data centers.
    — Dean DeBiase, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of shift

Phrases Containing motion

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Cite this Entry

“Motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motion. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motion

Nglish: Translation of motion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motion

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