mark 1 of 2

1
as in to label
to attach an identifying slip to marked each application with a numbered sticker

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2
as in to characterize
to be an important feature of an annual event marked mostly by noise and confusion

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3

mark

2 of 2

noun

1
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
Herrera stopped to survey the landscape, beside an old obelisk monument marking the borderline. Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 26 May 2025 Drill Pilot Holes Once the new holes are accurately marked, drill them carefully. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2025
Noun
Swanwick almost missed his opportunity to make his mark in Gainesville. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025 Grill, covered, until grill marks appear on other side and nectarines soften, 4 to 5 minutes. Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mark
Verb
  • The report cites studies showing many hemp products had different amounts of THC than labeled, while some were well above the package limits for licensed cannabis products, and contained toxic solvents left over from processing.
    Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
  • Some opposition lawmakers called for a boycott, labeling the process a farce meant to bolster the power of Sheinbaum’s leftist Morena political bloc.
    Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • The outline of the initial report — a contract extension for Crow-Armstrong potentially worth around $75 million — has been characterized as inaccurate.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Scott, a former two-term governor of the Sunshine State and no stranger to working with the agency while battling major hurricanes, characterized FEMA as rife with fraud that does little more than write checks for post-disaster cleanup.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • With two men on, Scott recorded one out in the eighth inning of the Dodgers’ 8-5 win over the Yankees on Friday.
    Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
  • Wacha recorded 55 swings and 11 whiffs in his outing.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • The vibes are confusing, the itinerary is unclear, and Drew—ever the queen of chaos—jokes that naked bears might be involved.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 25 May 2025
  • Think light beer, string lights, pizza, a cake with a callback to a joke from the show on it.
    Kelly Stout, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Orlando Sentinel Maxwell: Will Florida’s new U.S. attorney target corruption?
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2025
  • But interceptor missiles for Israel's vaunted Iron Dome short-range air defense system cost tens of thousands of dollars each, racking up an eye-watering bill when defending against high numbers of targets.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • With its reputation as a culinary destination solidified, the InterContinental Danang just opened another ambitious fine-dining restaurant, Tingara.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
  • For a time, Central Connecticut lived up to its reputation as one of the top hitting teams in college baseball, but was ultimately outslugged by Auburn,shut down by NC State and ousted from the NCAA Tournament on Saturday.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • So far, since returning from Washington to her native state, Harris, 60, has displayed none of the above criteria that California needs in its next governor.
    George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
  • Renters must meet a variety of sustainability criteria including solar panels, water flow reduction, renewable energy and recycling programs.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Those goals were just the fourth and fifth in 14 games this spring.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 26 May 2025
  • The goal is to haul Ford vehicles from the Kentucky Truck Plant to dealerships anywhere in the nation.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mark. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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