signals 1 of 2

plural of signal
1
as in flags
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 gestures
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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signals

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of signal
as in motions
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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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 signals
Noun
For the hearing impaired, select rooms feature visual fire alarms plus signals for telephone ringing and door knocking. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 When our skin senses heat, those signals travel to a primitive part of the brain that tells our body to cool down. — Will Stone, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026 Operational failures often look sudden because earlier signals were scattered or never translated into a decision. — Syed Ali, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 But deeper into the hills of the Ivy League institution, a homemade banner hanging from student co-op housing Saturday signals roiling turmoil. — Taylor Galgano, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026 At the event, the companies plan to demonstrate their work using Niron’s Iron Nitride permanent magnets, which convert electrical signals into mechanical motion. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026 Its prominence in the statement signals increased international adoption, according to Jenn Gustetic, director of metascience and research and development policy at the nonpartisan think tank Institute for Progress. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2026 Whites are more or less spot-on with all three signals, and no colors show any significant tint. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026 The surge in stocks with a negative beta dovetails with other unusual market signals. — Deena Zaidi,nick Wells, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
How tomato leaf became spring’s pumpkin spice Fans of the scent are describing it as the warm-weather answer to pumpkin spice, the seasonal cue that signals summer the way cinnamon and nutmeg signal fall. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026 But that mainstream attention also signals stiffer competition ahead. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026 To him, that signals a cultural shift that will, hopefully, equip more doctors to help young people struggling with addiction. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026 Tailoring specific packs Beyond the chemistry itself, the Spring Hill project signals a broader change in how modern battery plants operate. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026 This development also signals the ongoing momentum of VFX professionals organizing for fair wages, sustainable benefits, safer working conditions, and a meaningful voice at work. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026 In This Article White mold on mulch is a natural process that rarely signals a serious problem and can benefit your soil. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 26 Sep. 2026 Axon’s average price target, meanwhile, signals a gain of more than 62%. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026 Using the code signals a potential hijacking or cockpit intrusion to air traffic control and law enforcement. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signals
Noun
  • For the season, Livingston has rushed for 331 yards and four touchdowns, caught 26 passes for 235 yards and four touchdowns, completed 3 of 3 passes for 15 yards, pulled a team-leading 26 flags, made nine sacks and intercepted a pass.
    — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Many of the details emerged in a rush shortly after the passengers, most of them Israeli, landed back home to cheers and waving flags.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Macho Cowboy At the top of the pinnacle of power within the telenovela structure is the macho cowboy whose high emotional expressions of jealousy, anger, and confrontation are accepted as passionate acts of strength or romantic gestures.
    — Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Chris Matthews, with Blankies 4 My Buddies, said those seemingly small gestures can carry meaning.
    — Jamal Goss, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Luz, the group’s search leader and spokesperson for the day, immediately motions with her hand for the group to drive forward.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Russia invaded its neighbor more than 4 ½ years ago, and there are no concrete signs that a peace settlement might be possible.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Marylanders could be forgiven for believing the tide is running in favor of gerrymandering, but there are encouraging signs that the worst is over, and a better approach can prevail.
    — Colin Pascal, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Picture a doorman who checks your ID with great care, then waves you into any apartment in the building.
    — Julian Durand, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Spa At the beach-level spa, the windows were left wide open during my 60-minute Salt Air Reset massage, making all-natural birdsong and waves the soundtrack of my treatment.
    — Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Signals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signals. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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