MARK Synonyms: 289 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'mark' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mark are note , sign , symptom , and token . While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance. // a mark of a good upbringing

Q: When can 'note' be used instead of 'mark'?

In some situations, the words note and mark are roughly equivalent. However, note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic. // a note of irony in her writing

Q: When would 'sign' be a good substitute for 'mark'?

The synonyms sign and mark are sometimes interchangeable, but sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason. // encouraging signs for the economy

Q: In what contexts can 'symptom' take the place of 'mark'?

The meanings of symptom and mark largely overlap; however, symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition. // rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Q: When is 'token' a more appropriate choice than 'mark'?

While in some cases nearly identical to mark , token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible. // this gift is a token of our esteem

mark 1 of 2

verb

Definition of mark next

as in to label

to attach an identifying slip to marked each application with a numbered sticker

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Relevance

as in to characterize

to be an important feature of an annual event marked mostly by noise and confusion

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as in to record

to make a written note of mark down the names of those who are planning to attend the dinner

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mark

2 of 2

noun

ˈmärk

as in joke

a person or thing that is made fun of in the wake of the scandal, the disgraced governor became the favorite mark of late-night comedians

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as in target

a person or thing that is the object of abuse, criticism, or ridicule his gullibility and tendency to fall for bluffs made him an easy mark at the poker table

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as in reputation

overall quality as seen or judged by people in general a brand of crystal that bears the mark of excellence

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as in criterion

something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared lately his playing hasn't been up to the mark expected of a concert pianist

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as in goal

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish set marks for expected daily output

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as in feature

something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind a sensitive expression that is the mark of a poet

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as in scar

something that spoils the appearance or completeness of a thing a small mark where the car had scraped a wall

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as in effect

the power to bring about a result on another a person of some mark in the field of evolutionary biology

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word mark distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mark are note, sign, symptom, and token. While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance.

a mark of a good upbringing

When can note be used instead of mark?

In some situations, the words note and mark are roughly equivalent. However, note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

When would sign be a good substitute for mark?

The synonyms sign and mark are sometimes interchangeable, but sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

In what contexts can symptom take the place of mark?

The meanings of symptom and mark largely overlap; however, symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

When is token a more appropriate choice than mark?

While in some cases nearly identical to mark, token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible.

this gift is a token of our esteem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of mark

Verb

The overall index dropped five points to a composite score of 42—marking a five-month low. —

Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025 Bane would join former teammate Williams in the NBA, and the pair would made history with R.J. Nembhard, marking the first time in school history that the Horned Frogs had three active players in the NBA. —

Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2025

Noun

The former Bachelorette made her mark on Bachelor Nation by being unapologetically herself, showing up to Matt James' season of The Bachelor with a purple vibrator in hand. —

Glamour, 16 Feb. 2025 FiveThirtyEight polling averages show President Donald Trump, who never earned positive marks during his first term or subsequent presidential campaigns, has considerably narrowed the gap in his favorability rating over the last three months. —

Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 16 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mark

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mark

Verb

All-purpose fertilizers for evergreens Products labeled specifically for hollies, azaleas, and evergreen shrubs are low in nitrogen and have a balanced NPK ratio (4-3-4).

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025
Otherwise, use of a fungicide labeled for rust control on ornamentals would be helpful.

— Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025