Thesaurus results for MOTIONING

motioning

verb

present participle of motion

as in waving

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

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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 motioning Hamrick said to his companion, motioning to a spot short of the summit. — John Blake, CNN Money, 19 July 2026 In security footage obtained by ABC 13, the officer, alleged to be Carrico, is seen motioning the woman to take a seat; the woman complies. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 In video shared by the outlet, Stewart grips surfaces for support while singing before motioning to a crew member, who brings over an oxygen tank and places the mask over his nose and mouth. — Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 21 June 2026 Gary Belaria said, motioning toward the parking lot. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026 Officers were able to observe surveillance camera recordings which showed Moskovita motioning the girl toward him, then grabbing her hand and taking her into the restroom. — Logan Smith, CBS News, 1 June 2026 Anunoby was having another strong game Wednesday before appearing to suffer a leg injury and motioning to come out of the game. — ABC News, 8 May 2026 Meanwhile, Soler and López began trading words, with López seemingly motioning at Soler to do something. — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 With the game well out of reach and 10 seconds to play, Tre White dunked — despite Self motioning from the sideline to dribble it out. — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motioning

Verb

Just days before the fireworks and the flag waving of July 4, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) quietly asked Maryland regulators for permission to take more money out of its customers’ pockets.

— Tyrone E. Keys Jr, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026
Syrians gathered around the court in Damascus, chanting, clapping and waving the Syrian flag as news of the sentences spread.

— Kinda Makieh, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of waving

Verb

The novel also alludes to contemporary examples of violence in the country’s current, democratic system, gesturing to the ways in which brutality persists in Brazil as state and corporate power continue to commit violence with near impunity.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
Cole Hauser, who leads the show as Rip Wheeler, gave a recent interview gesturing at the difficulty the cast had making the first season.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 July 2026

Definition of gesturing

Browse Nearby Words

motioned

motioning

motionless

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“Motioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motioning. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of motioning

verb

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