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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.

Freedman blasted the motion as “one of the most abhorrent examples of abusing our legal system.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

This time crystal continued its motion for an unusually long period, lasting up to 108 cycles or several minutes before fading to a level that could no longer be measured.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

Home-security camera companies are embracing artificial intelligence to give customers detailed descriptions of their surveillance, instead of generic motion alerts.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

A total of 281 MPs voted for the no-confidence motion, well above the 233 needed for the measure to pass.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Lou Ann keeps nodding as if the motion of her head is pumping this information into her brain.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

Vocabulary lists containing motion

Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer - Introductory

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Force and Motion (Mechanics) - Middle School

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Space Science (Astronomy) - Introductory

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!