dramatic, expansive, expressive, extravagant, flamboyant, melodramatic, sweeping, theatrical
She made an expansive gesture with her arms.

abrupt | careless, vague
He responded with a vague gesture in the direction of the pub.

obscene, rude | angry, defiant, threatening | dismissive, impatient, irritable | helpless | imperious | placatory

make
The children made rude gestures at them.

by ~
They communicate entirely by gesture.

in a ~
He waved his arms in a melodramatic gesture.

with a ~
She waved us away with an impatient gesture.

~ of
a gesture of despair

nice
I thought it was a nice gesture to send everyone a card.

bold
a bold gesture of reconciliation

dramatic, extravagant, grand
He had the respect of his people without the need for grand gestures.

conciliatory, friendly, goodwill | charitable, philanthropic | empty, small, symbolic, token
Words and empty gestures are not enough - we demand action! | a token gesture of their good intentions

futile | political

as a ~
Several hostages were released as a goodwill gesture.

in a ~
In a dramatic gesture, the prime minister refused to attend the meeting.

~ against
The invasion attempt was intended as a political gesture against his opponents.

~ of
His gift was a gesture of friendship.

~ towards
The president''s speech was seen as a conciliatory gesture towards former enemies.

vaguely | wildly | expansively | abruptly, impatiently | helplessly

at
She gestured at him to step back.

about/around
He gestured around the room, lost for words.

for
He gestured abruptly for Virginia to get in the car.

to
Mrs Davis gestured to the waiter.

towards
He gestured vaguely towards the house.

with
gesturing wildly with her hands