body language

noun

Definition of body languagenext
as in attitude
movements or positions of the body that express a person's thoughts or feelings We could tell from his body language that he was nervous.

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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 body language These calls can also feel stilted without cues like body language or other real-time human feedback. — Sarah Jackson juhohn Lee, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026 King is visibly frustrated, criticizing Goodman's body language and attitude. — Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2026 Advertisement Given the sometimes violent border clashes between China and India in recent years, observers will also be watching Xi’s and Modi’s body language closely. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 11 Sep. 2026 In one exercise, the no-touch obstacle course helps police officers practice self-awareness using body language to guide a horse. — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for body language
Recent Examples of Synonyms for body language
  1. attitude
  2. posture
  3. stance
  4. demeanor
Noun
  • Precise attitude control keeps those instruments pointed at their targets as the satellites race around Earth.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Expand The never-say-die attitude of the White Sox was on full display against the Guardians.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of attitude
Noun
  • Since many of us spend eight hours a day—or more—sitting in front of a computer, the furniture should support your posture as much as your design sensibilities.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026
  • While Canal Street’s vendors are prosecuted under a different law, the city’s posture on vending generally is moving toward less enforcement, not more.
    — Daniel Edward Rosen, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of posture
Noun
  • Mamdani has long defended his stance, saying criticism of Israel is distinct from antisemitism.
    — Senior Editor, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In addition to rewards for moving at the right speed and in the right direction and penalties for things like wobbling or jerky movement, the team introduced a novel way to keep the hand in a crawling stance during the simulated training.
    — Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of stance
Noun
  • The pandemic was a turning point in Selena’s life and demeanor.
    — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Were tactical arrangements sufficient without symbolic signaling, police training would not need to be so heady, their demeanor so heavy.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of demeanor

Browse Nearby Words

bodying
body language
body languages
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Body language.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/body%20language. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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