Synonyms for

Gestures

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

Definition

Gestures are movements of the hands, arms, or other parts of the body to express something.

Synonyms & similar words

motion gesture gesticulate signs signals motions actions expressions indicators gesticulations emblems cues tokens marks indicators clues hints pointers indicators manifestations demonstrations displays exhibitions

Synonyms by register

Formal

movements indications signals expressions

Informal

hand signals motions waving signaling

Literary

postures eloquence

Antonyms

stillness inactivity restraint silence immobility passivity

Common collocations

  • make gestures
  • expressive gestures
  • meaningful gestures
  • hand gestures
  • subtle gestures
  • grand gestures
  • gestures of goodwill
  • gestures of defiance

Word family

noun gesture
verb gesture

Usage note

Gestures are typically physical movements of the hands, arms, or body to express an idea or emotion. While often used informally, it can also refer to more formal or symbolic actions.

Example sentences

  1. Her gestures indicated that she was happy.
  2. He made a gesture to indicate that he needed help.
  3. The speaker used gestures to emphasize her point.
  4. The teacher used gestures to help the students understand.
  5. The dancer's gestures were beautiful and expressive.

Quotes

  • "The gestures of the body, the motions of the limbs, the expressions of the face, the least action of the muscles, are signs of joy or of sorrow, of cheerfulness or of melancholy." - Cicero
  • "Gestures, in love, are incomparably more attractive, effective and valuable than words." - Francois Rabelais
  • "Gestures, in love, are perhaps the most important things of all." - D.H. Lawrence

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