MOTIONS Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

motions 1 of 2

noun

plural of motion

as in movements

the act or an instance of changing position we were instructed not to make any sudden motions or we might scare away the deer

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

motions

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of motion

as in waves

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 motions

Noun

Conley, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, dismissed the case without prejudice for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and granted the defendants’ sanctions motions. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026 The documentary reality of Ryan’s life leans on observational verité techniques, with the camera often placed at an unobtrusive distance and following their freewheeling motions. — Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026 Creeden filed a motion for the continuance on Thursday, saying the probation office hadn’t yet released its draft presentence investigation report and that the court hadn’t yet ruled on his motions for acquittal and for a new trial. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 With the brush in hand, make circular motions on the surfaces, breaking up any chalky residues and removing bacteria. — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 31 Aug. 2026 Work in circular motions, avoiding excessive force so as not to damage the mesh. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026 At the University of Mississippi, a video went viral of a Black woman surrounded by white students and the white students mimicking ape-like motions toward the woman and making monkey-like calls. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 This includes interpreting standing rules and precedents, advising on the wording of motions, helping formulate statements, and answering parliamentary inquiries or points of order. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 In the motions, Kohberger asked for Fourth Judicial District Judge Steven Hippler to be disqualified and for his post-conviction proceeding to be moved out of Ada County. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

Luz, the group’s search leader and spokesperson for the day, immediately motions with her hand for the group to drive forward. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motions

Noun

Anyone with spare time could surveil a harbor or the airspace above a military base and sell updates on flights, ships, and the movements of troops.

— Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Anwar Hussein There was a restlessness to Diana’s movements in those summer months.

— Allie Merriam, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of movements

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

The soft, stretchy fabric moves with you across terminals without bunching or binding, and because the top and bottom are already matched, getting dressed at the crack of dawn requires zero thought.

— Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026
By September, cooler air moves across Lake Superior, local breweries begin pouring their autumn releases, and early color starts showing in the forests surrounding Marquette.

— Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of moves

Noun

Green said the current moment reflects a long-term bet on Los Angeles, which has faced shifts in consumer behavior since the pandemic as well as the aftermath of the January 2025 wildfires.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Small, realistic shifts at home can make a world of difference.

— Tabitha Britt, Flow Space, 1 Sep. 2026