Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

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.

Staff had set in motion new rule-making to restrict U.S. sales of those products before they were put on hold and office leadership dismissed, according to officials familiar with the process.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

When a magnetic field is applied, it interacts with this motion, creating a directional effect that produces the observed halo pattern.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

Ghassemieh’s motion to dismiss stated that Braemar produced no evidence that its critics collaborated.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

The brief unsigned order from the Supreme Court cited "the pending motion to dismiss the indictment".

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Magic yanked both of Duane’s arms, causing him to bend forward and so creating just enough weight on the front end of the toboggan to tip it into motion.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

Vocabulary lists containing motion

Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer - Introductory

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Force and Motion (Mechanics) - Middle School

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!