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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motion
Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 3 Feb. 2023
If the judge approves the McDonald’s directors’ motion to dismiss, the claims against Mr. Fairhurst would be moot.
—Dylan Tokar, WSJ, 2 Feb. 2023
Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Following the slide, third base coach Luis Rojas quickly motioned toward the Yankees’ dugout, indicating that Chisholm needed to come out of the game.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motion
Noun
This Sole elliptical features a whisper-quiet drive system, functions in backwards and forwards motion, and has a power incline feature that adds resistance and up to 20 incline levels.
—Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 3 Feb. 2023
If the judge approves the McDonald’s directors’ motion to dismiss, the claims against Mr. Fairhurst would be moot.
—Dylan Tokar, WSJ, 2 Feb. 2023
Verb
Curry attacked the lane and finished at the rim, but quickly reached for his leg and motioned toward the bench.
—Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Following the slide, third base coach Luis Rojas quickly motioned toward the Yankees’ dugout, indicating that Chisholm needed to come out of the game.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motion
Noun
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But the Bananas are just one example in a broader movement.—
John Cairney,
Sportico.com,
24 May 2025
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The agreement, which covers various forms of cooperation between the two parties, including the free movement of goods and scientific collaboration, has been in place for 25 years.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
Verb
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Rather than crying, the resilient bride smiled and waved at everyone as she was wheeled out of the party on a gurney, where guests gave her a grand exit at the back of the building with wedding sparklers.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
People.com,
23 May 2025
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Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms.—
Helena Wegner,
Sacbee.com,
23 May 2025
Verb
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The crowd cheered wildly for Foster even as the actress kept gesturing towards Zlotowski, as if reminding the audience that this was the filmmaker’s moment to bask in the applause.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
20 May 2025
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Conflicted, Wallen gestures at saying his worst is behind him while defending a right to remain a little wild.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
20 May 2025
Noun
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The move will likely escalate political tensions between the Trump administration and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Democrats in Congress denounced the federal government overruling an individual state's decision, along with Republicans rule-skirting legislative approach.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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But Silverman’s version moves beyond Strindberg’s toxic blame game to explore the erotic vulnerability of each member of the ménage, as well as the animal forces that draw them together in new configurations.—
Helen Shaw,
New Yorker,
22 May 2025
Verb
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By contrast, decreases in alpha and beta brain waves signal mental fatigue.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
29 May 2025
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Last week, the Supreme Court signalled its eagerness to go along with this project, in Trump v. Wilcox.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
29 May 2025
Noun
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This, combined with shifts in body heat and routine, might help explain why cats become especially attentive.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
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To be fair, the genre’s shift from rollicking to restrained may also have to do with how memoirs’ factuality is now so regularly challenged.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motion. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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