signal 1 of 3

noun

ˈsig-nᵊl How to pronounce signal (audio)
Definition of signalnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

signal

3 of 3

adjective

as in outstanding
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement the Louisiana Purchase is cited by many historians as one of the most signal events in American history

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 signal
Noun
Iran’s 85-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has mocked Trump, but officials in his country also have offered conflicting signals over whether negotiations could take place. — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025 The two connected on a 40-yard catch Oct. 19 against Kentucky, eliciting an enthusiastic reaction and first-down signal from Wilson during his final game before surgery. — Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
If Aaron Rodgers Doesn't Work Out Read more: Aaron Rodgers Would Reportedly Rather Retire Than Sign With Steelers, Giants Bringing in Winston and visiting with Wilson could signal that New York is willing to move on from the dream of signing Rodgers. — David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025 Left unsaid: That argument may not fly and, regardless, a judge had signaled those planes should have stayed grounded. — Philip Elliott, TIME, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for signal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signal
  1. flag
  2. gesture
  3. motion
  4. outstanding
  5. sign
  6. wave
  7. distinguished
  8. prestigious
Noun
  • The co-stars playfully deciphered dating red flags and green flags with a Snow White twist.
    — Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 21 Mar. 2025
  • While the protesters deployed some nationalist imagery, wielding Serbian flags and photos of Jesus while following a mascot of the World War II royalist Gen. Draza Mihailovic, the overall vibe of the Belgrade bonanza was closer to Woodstock than the March on Washington.
    — Tiana Lowe Doescher, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of flag
Noun
  • These range from coral restoration in Jamaica to water catchments for schools in Grenada and marine conservation education in Antigua—and even seemingly small gestures that can have a big impact, like supplying technology to an elementary school in the Bahamas.
    — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Israel's spy agency lists failures in preventing Oct. 7 attack Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said in a statement the group would release Alexander, who is alive, and the bodies of four dual nationals as an initial gesture.
    — Aya Batrawy, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of gesture
Verb
  • As the running back motioned across the formation, Howard faked a handoff to him and instead pitched the ball to receiver Emeka Egbuka, who followed his blockers on a simple counter play.
    — Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Amazon motioned to dismiss both counts of the complaint on Jan. 17, but Judge Kevin Castel denied the request.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Jan. 2025
Definition of motion
Adjective
  • The show was also a huge hit, scoring 61 Emmy nominations in just three seasons, and winning 13, including outstanding comedy series.
    — Keith Langston, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Both Tawny Ports are outstanding, as is the entire range.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of outstanding
Noun
  • The tulip is considered one of the biggest signs of warmer months on the horizon and as such, tulip festivals have become a very popular attraction all over the world.
    — Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Aside from waiting until the average last frost date has passed, the seedlings will give signs when they can be transplanted outside.
    — Lauren David, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of sign
Verb
  • The pope, seated in a wheelchair, waved from the balcony and smiled.
    — Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Thousands again protested outside the Istanbul municipality building on Friday, defying a four-day ban on street gatherings in the city, waving Turkish flags and chanting slogans in protest over the decision.
    — Ipek Yezdani, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of wave
Adjective
  • France has had a distinguished career as a journalist, activist and filmmaker, having focused primarily on the LGBTQ+ movement.
    — Tom White, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Serling wrote 92 of the 156 black-and-white sci-fi fantasy episodes throughout the five-year run, with distinguished writers Charles Beaumont and Richard Matheson contributing 36 more top chapters.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • And by reversing a one-goal loss to Herediano last week in Costa Rica, Wednesday’s result gave the Galaxy a 4-2 aggregate-goal victory in the two-leg round-of-16 playoff, lifting the team into the quarterfinals of the confederation’s most prestigious club competition for the first time in a decade.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025
  • During Miller’s four years at Arkansas, the Razorbacks had one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the country.
    — David Ammenheuser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of prestigious

Browse Nearby Words

sign
signal
signaled
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Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on signal

Nglish: Translation of signal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about signal

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