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 Tight end John Bates lined up out wide to the far side, motioning to hurry up. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 My parents use chopsticks, lifting their bowls and motioning the food into their mouths. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026 The Giants ran a modified version of the tush push, with 300-pound fullback Pat Ricard motioning behind Dart to help the quarterback surge forward on his sneaks. — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motioning

Verb

The Lithuanian Parliament moved to allow nuclear weapons on its soil, with a final vote to take place in January, as the Kremlin is already waving red flags over the move.

— Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 12 Oct. 2026
Defensive lineman Shelby Harris started waving both arms to indicate the game should be over.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of waving

Verb

Prescott then can be seen speaking to Cowboys security and gesturing toward the other man.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 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 gesturing

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motioned

motioning

motionless

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“Motioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motioning. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of motioning

verb

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