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to signal

to signal

138 3.0
To show that something exists or may happen
  • verb
  • /ˈsɪɡnəl/
translation icon : indicar
  • The dark clouds on the horizon signal that a storm is on its way.
  • signal a willingness
  • signal a change
  • signal the end

And so quality is is signaled often by the price.

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Examples

  • The ever-shortening day finally signals to the herd the onset of the great annual migration.

  • The expert turns to the parents, signaling that it is time for a dialogue.

    Academic text (2011)
  • One finding in the present study did signal a cause for concern, however.

    Academic text (1999)
  • And the fact that Joe Biden said this does signal a shift.

  • And I think this signals the start of another era for Diana.

  • Washington should also encourage China to signal its willingness to get tough on Iran.

    Academic text (2011)
  • And what Paneth cells do is they send a signal to neighboring cells.

  • Satin's rapid decline could signal a serious illness.

  • Does this signal a buildup of U.S. combat troops here in El Salvador?

  • The dog sniffed around the door and signaled to the officer that narcotics were present inside the home.

    Academic text (2017)

Synonyms

to point
vsto signal
1.0

To show or direct attention to something

serves as a general sign rather than physically directing attention
to indicate
vsto signal
834 2.7

Show or suggest that something is likely true

is a more general sign that something exists or may happen
to signify
vsto signal
82 3.7

To be a sign of something, often by a word, action or symbol

is a broader indication rather than a fixed symbolic meaning
to foreshadow
vsto signal
16 6.2

To give a small sign that something will happen in the future

is neutral about time, not focused only on future hints
to portend
vsto signal
  • Formal
13 8.4

To show that something, often bad, will probably happen

is neutral and does not necessarily warn of serious outcomes
to bespeak
vsto signal
  • Formal
6 9.3

Show that something has a certain quality

is used more generally to indicate existence or likelihood
to betoken
vsto signal
  • Archaic
1 9.3

To be a sign of something

is the common, neutral way to suggest existence or future likelihood
to herald the arrival
vsto signal
1 6.0

Show that something important is coming

is a general sign and does not always announce an arrival
to signalize
vsto signal
  • US
8.6

Send information using signals or movements like nods and waves

is about being a sign rather than actively conveying information
to auspicate
vsto signal
  • Archaic
9.9

To say what will happen by reading signs

is a plain indication without relying on omens or prediction methods

Antonyms

282 3.7

To hide something so others cannot see or find it

Phrasal Verbs

To show that something is finished

Compounds

distress signal
  • Specialized
37 3.1

A signal sent by a ship, plane, or person asking for emergency help

radio signal
  • Specialized
26 2.7

A wave used to send or receive information through the air

A system of colored lights where roads meet that tells cars and people when to go

7 2.5

A flashing light on a vehicle that shows which way the driver will turn or change lanes

7 4.8

A way to send messages over long distances by making patterns of smoke

A loud sound or flashing light that tells people there is danger

3 4.2

A fire lit to attract attention and show where people are

electronic signal
  • Specialized
2 3.7

A small flow of electricity that carries information like sound, picture or data

signal-to-noise
  • Specialized
2 6.3

How strong a wanted sound or message is compared to background noise

signal caller
  • Jargon
2 7.4

A player who leads the team's offense by calling plays, usually the quarterback

signal-to-noise ratio
  • Specialized
2 6.3

How strong a wanted sound is compared to background noise

visual signal
  • Specialized
1 3.8

A message shown by lights, signs or gestures to give people information

1 4.9

A large light that shows a bat shape in the sky to call Batman for help

A sign that something dangerous may happen

1 3.2

A light or fire used to send a message over a distance

input signal
  • Specialized
1 3.8

An electrical change that enters a device as information to be processed

output signal
  • Specialized
1 3.9

An electrical message a device sends after it processes input

time signal
  • Specialized
1 4.9

An electronic or radio signal that gives the exact official time

1 6.7

A small building where people control railway signals and switches to direct trains

signal flag
  • Specialized
1 3.8

A rectangular piece of cloth ships use to send short messages

A sound or light that shows the start of a race

background signal
  • Specialized
7.5

An unwanted noise from other sources that gets in the way of a measurement

flag signal
  • Specialized
6.3

Sending messages with flags by moving them in set patterns over a distance, often between ships

infrared signal
  • Specialized
4.1

A type of invisible light used to send information between devices

nautical signal flag
  • Specialized
6.7

A flag sailors use to send messages between ships at sea

A message sent by radio using dots and dashes

7.1

A series of short and long sounds sent over wires to show letters and words

signal tower
  • Specialized
3.5

A building where people send signals to control trains

signal tower
  • Specialized
3.6

A tall tower that holds antennas to send and receive radio or phone signals

signal worker
  • Jargon
5.6

A railway yard worker who controls and fixes signals and track switches

A sign or action that shows you need help in an emergency, like waving arms

signal level
  • Specialized
4.2

The strength of an electrical connection for sound or data

signal detection
  • Specialized
5.5

Finding whether a sound or message is present in noise

storm signal
  • Philippine
3.3

A warning sign that a strong storm is coming

3.6

A sound that makes people get out of bed, often used in camps or the military

wake-up signal
  • Specialized
4.2

An electronic signal that makes a device leave sleep mode and start working

How Strong

to prove
3.1
to show
1.0
to signal
138 3.0
to indicate
834 2.7
to suggest
2.1

Surface Forms

signal infinitive
signaled past
signaled past participle
signaling present participle
signals third person singular

Etymology

Signal comes from the Latin signum, 'sign', and is like the English sign. If something signals a problem or change, it gives a sign that the thing is happening or will happen.