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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.

The pressure generated by that motion can sweep away large amounts of a galaxy's own gas.

From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 2026

Beijing’s diplomats often speak through a coalition of nations called the Group of 77, such as in May when it opposed a motion to reduce the pay of peacekeepers, many of whom are Chinese.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

That said, watching the sweet-and-sour sauce flying in slow motion is actually quite amusing.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

You should plan for the bad stuff but keep working and keep moving — a body in motion stays in motion.

From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026

He twists the cap off in one quick motion.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

motion

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing motion

Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer - Introductory

Force and Motion (Mechanics) - Middle School

Space Science (Astronomy) - Introductory

motion

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing motion

Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer - Introductory

Force and Motion (Mechanics) - Middle School

Space Science (Astronomy) - Introductory