Synonyms for

Cue

Verb / kju: / Another word for cue — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a signal or action that prompts someone to do something

Synonyms & similar words

clew cuestick remind discriminativestimulus poolstick clue poolcue prompt signal prompt hint clue indicator guide lead tip-off reminder cueing cue-bid

Synonyms by register

Formal

prompt indication signal directive

Informal

hint tip nudge sign

Literary

omen augury portent

Antonyms

response reaction answer reply retort

Common collocations

  • take your cue
  • give a cue
  • cue card
  • cue line
  • cue ball
  • cue sheet
  • cue the music
  • cue the applause

Word family

noun cue
verb cue

Usage note

As a noun, 'cue' refers to a signal. As a verb, it means to signal someone. Be careful not to confuse it with 'queue', which means a line of people.

Example sentences

  1. The teacher gave the students a cue to start the test.
  2. The DJ played a cue for the dancers to start the next song.
  3. The coach gave the team a cue to start the game.
  4. The traffic light turning green is a cue for drivers to go.
  5. The alarm clock is a cue for me to wake up.

Quotes

  • 'I always try to have a cue, whether it's something visual or something the band is doing.' - Bruce Springsteen
  • 'My cue for comedy is a reaction.' - Carol Burnett
  • 'I take a lot of cues from nature, so my designs celebrate the curves of the human body and the gracefulness of nature.' - Zaha Hadid

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