motion

[moh-shuhn] / ˈmoʊ ʃən /

NOUN

movement, action

Synonyms

STRONGEST

act gesture passage

STRONG

advance agitation ambulation change changing direction drift dynamics flow fluctuation flux gesticulation inclination kinetics locomotion mobility motility move oscillation passing progress sign signal stir stirring stream sway sweep swing tendency travel wave wavering

WEAK

body English full swing high sign

Antonyms

STRONGEST

idleness

STRONG

stagnation

WEAK

immobility repose rest stiffness stillness

NOUN

formal suggestion in a meeting

Synonyms

STRONGEST

plan proposal proposition recommendation submission

Antonyms

STRONGEST

condemnation

WEAK

immobility repose rest stagnation stiffness stillness

VERB

gesture, direct

Synonyms

STRONG

beckon flag gesticulate guide invite move nod sign signal signalize wave

Antonyms

WEAK

be still

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for motion?

Motion most commonly means movement. To set in motion means to cause something to start moving. It’s usually used in a figurative way meaning to start, initiate, or cause something to begin (the phrase often implies that it’s something that might not be able to be stopped once it’s started). A person’s (or animal’s) motion while walking is called their gait. Sometimes, a motion is a gesture. Both words can also be used as verbs, as in He motioned/gestured toward the door. The word nod is used in reference to a motion or gesture made with the head. Nod can also be used as a verb or a noun. In the context of a formal meeting, a motion is a formally made proposal or suggestion. Such motions often must be “seconded” (agreed with by one other person) to be considered. In this context, motion can also be used as a verb. The verb propose is a synonym.

What is the difference between motion and movement?

The words motion and movement are very similar. Both can be used generally to indicate that the things being observed are moving, though movement is perhaps more general. For example, you might point out the movement of the trees during a windstorm, or comment on the lively movement of people at a train station. Both can also be applied in the context of a single thing that’s moving. Motion is perhaps more common when discussing the mechanics of how something moves. For example, astronomers study the motion of the planets. Motion may be more commonly used in descriptions of specific types of moving, as in a swinging motion or a running motion. Motion is used in the phrase in motion, which is used to describe something that’s moving. Of course, motion and movement both have many other more specific meanings, such as a formal motion during a meeting, a movement in a piece of music, or a social movement.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Over time, this motion can widen the boundaries between grains, much like how cycles of freezing and thawing damage road surfaces.

From Science Daily

“In general, the good news about the year is that most of the big hits involved young audiences,” said Tom Rothman, chair and CEO chief executive of Sony Pictures’ motion picture group.

From Los Angeles Times

But some comments under the video from fans voiced concerns about how the game looked - with some pointing out a drop in frame rates, and others criticising the use of motion blur.

From BBC

After seeing three tries ruled out by the television match official, Freeman and Henry Pollock both celebrated undeniable scores by motioning for a video review.

From BBC

The unusual motions of galaxies and the stars within them suggest that large amounts of unseen matter are exerting gravitational pull.

From Science Daily

motion

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Example Sentences

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