motion 1 of 2

noun

ˈmō-shən How to pronounce motion (audio)
Definition of motionnext
as in movement
the act or an instance of changing position we were instructed not to make any sudden motions or we might scare away the deer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

motion

2 of 2

verb

as in to wave
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

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 motion
Noun
The researchers also focused on reducing the robot’s effective inertia, a property that describes how strongly an object resists changes in its motion. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 The Cincinnati Bengals safety revealed to the world — and, more importantly, the Miami Dolphins — that the team had identified a tell in Malik Willis' throwing motion before the Bengals face the Dolphins on Sunday. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
Audience jeers council’s I-77 decision Mayfield, who serves council at-large, motioned to keep Charlotte from changing its previous vote against the toll lanes. — Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026 The 2022 ruling came after the defense motioned in 2020 to have Toshpuldzoda evaluated for mental health issues. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motion
  1. movement
  2. wave
  3. shifting
  4. gesture
  5. move
  6. signal
  7. shift
  8. relocation
Noun
  • At Lumalia Emmy Armstrong’s Holy Rage Retreats in the Oregon woods near Portland, small groups of women gather among the trees, expressing themselves through sound and movement.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The prototype was tested on one construction worker during normal activities, including movement, breaks, drinking water and eating.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of movement
Verb
  • Armed and hooded, the gang was waved in by Black and surprised, subdued, and handcuffed the other security guards.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Asked whether the ongoing appeals create any unease, Rosario waved it off.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of wave
Noun
  • The main reason is that large, widening cracks can signal structural shifting or underlying damage that DIY caulk cannot address.
    — Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Most EVs have a single-speed transmission, which means there’s no shifting between multiple gears.
    — Lauren Swift, AJC.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of shifting
Verb
  • The Israelis squinted for a few moments and gestured others over.
    — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The league on Monday suspended line judge Jeff Seeman for two games for swearing at Arizona’s Trey McBride and referee Adrian Hill for one game for yelling and gesturing at Minnesota’s Eric Wilson.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of gesture
Noun
  • The move comes as Treasury yields retreated from their highs but remain at elevated levels.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The move into podcasting marks another expansion for MasterClass, which has increasingly blurred the lines between online education and entertainment.
    — Anna Tingley, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of move
Verb
  • Anger can provide useful information, signaling that something is unfair, a boundary has been crossed, or an important goal is being blocked.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • If a suit traditionally signals conformity and respectability, corduroy gives it a louche edge.
    — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of signal
Noun
  • In some ways, beauty is particularly poised to benefit from this shift.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Income, bills, savings goals and family expenses shift, and the treat budget should reflect what the household can afford now.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of shift
Noun
  • Unlike Tamaki who advocated for the closure of Futenma without building a replacement in Henoko, Koja supported the relocation of Futenma’s airfield operations to Henoko as a way to secure Futenma’s return to Japanese control.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The relocation boom has boosted demand for housing, with supply falling behind, the mayor said.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of relocation

Phrases Containing motion

Browse Nearby Words

motility
motion
motioned
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Cite this Entry

“Motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motion. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motion

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