Synonyms for gesture

Most common

motion · gesticulate

All synonyms

Verb

Noun

Definitions

1. v. 1

   To make a gesture or gestures.

   My dad told me never to gesture with my hands when I talk.

2. n. 1

   A motion of the limbs or body, especially one made to emphasize speech.

   The middle-finger gesture is really a nonverbal swear.

Related words

Word family

gesticulate gesticulation gesticulative gestural

Phrases

quiet coyote gesture quiet fox gesture silent fox gesture

Forms

Plural

gestures → bearings, gesticulations…

Past participle

gestured
e.g. gestured → motioned, gesticulated, signed, actioned…

Example sentences

• motion Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion.
• gesticulate Try to gesticulate a little less.

Popularity over time

Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.

By length

4 letters

sign¹

6 letters

action², motion²

7 letters

bearing²

11 letters

gesticulate

13 letters

gesticulation

The small number after each word is its number of syllables (action² = 2 syllables).