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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 motioning The Mercyenforcer holds the Heartfiller in his fist, motioning me closer. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 Hamrick said to his companion, motioning to a spot short of the summit. — John Blake, CNN Money, 19 July 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

The midfielder was booked for waving an imaginary yellow card, shown a straight red for violent conduct and also gave away a goal.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
The last sidebar called by the judge before lunch appeared intense, with Reddington seen waving his hands a few times.

— NBC News, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of waving

Verb

Lavie appeared in a jailhouse-yellow shirt and blue pants and looked distressed throughout the hearing, nodding and gesturing to friends at times.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
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

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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of motioning

verb

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