Thesaurus results for GESTURES

gestures 1 of 2

noun

plural of gesture

as in signs

a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or feeling a teenager who often shrugs her shoulders in a gesture of indifference

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as in courtesies

an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners sent a handwritten thank-you note as a gesture of his gratitude

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gestures

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of gesture

as in motions

to direct or notify by a movement or gesture the police officer gestured me to the side of the road to tell me my headlight was out

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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 gestures

Noun

The gimbal-mounted camera can also respond to your gestures like a friendly robot with nods and little jigs. — New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026 Several opposition skeptics view his gestures of peace toward Kurds as little more than a political ploy to gain popularity and extend his term in office. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2026 As a third control option beyond the buttons and the touch screen, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 supports one-handed gestures. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026 For me, there is something profoundly noble in these ordinary gestures. — Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 9 Aug. 2026 That is a decision made at a moment when its cash flow leaves very little room for gestures. — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The broken line, the hard scar of the dash—these are gestures toward the uncertain and intractable distance between self and other, presence and absence, ‘awareness’ and its loss. — Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026 At times, Murphy’s show gestures at these themes, but not with any real conviction, and by the end of the series nothing much has been said. — Leo Lasdun, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026 The family smiled together for one photo before making heart-hand gestures for the next snap. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026

Verb

Health care executive Rick Jackson gestures to a supporter while qualifying to run for governor at the Georgia state Capitol last month. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 10 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gestures

Noun

The mature-skin serum smooths and firms visible signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026
Around Nu Stadium, fans held messages and signs of support for Messi as well.

— Avi Creditor, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of signs

Noun

Small courtesies keep big efforts moving forward.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026
With both courtesies and catastrophes refusing to conform, the canton’s school board, publishers, and clergy were forced to produce multiple editions of primers, textbooks, and catechisms; sometimes five parallel print runs were needed for a population the size of a town.

— Simon Akam, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025

Definition of courtesies

Noun

The performing community challenged that notion, tracing the scat-singing and gesticulations to earlier artists including Black jazz performer Baby Esther Jones and cabaret entertainer Florence Mills.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
But on a Sunday morning in July 1595, the groan of the heavy wooden door startled him from his gesticulations.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026

Definition of gesticulations

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

Definition of waves

Noun

This meant moving outside of the traditional tableau of White House photojournalism—an orator on a pedestal—to show members of the press in postures of alertness or repose.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
Maintain two separate experiences with different compliance postures, or elevate the entire platform to meet the higher standard.

— Vishal Saxena, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of postures

Noun

In on most aircraft and require most pilots to fly while transmitting ADS-B signals.

— Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Crude price rises have been kept relatively contained as traders continue to jump on any signals that a deal may be in sight — a situation analysts warn won’t hold forever.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of signals

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gestured

gestures

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“Gestures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gestures. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of gestures

noun

verb

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