Thesaurus results for SIGN

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

Some common synonyms of sign are mark , note , symptom , and token . While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason. // encouraging signs for the economy

Q: When is it sensible to use 'mark' instead of 'sign'?

The words mark and sign are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could 'note' be used to replace 'sign'?

The synonyms note and sign are sometimes interchangeable, but note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic. // a note of irony in her writing

Q: Where would 'symptom' be a reasonable alternative to 'sign'?

While the synonyms symptom and sign are close in meaning, symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition. // rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Q: When can 'token' be used instead of 'sign'?

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

sign 1 of 2

verb

Definition of sign next

as in to autograph

to write one's name on (as a document) you'll have to sign the contract for it to be legal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sign

2 of 2

noun

ˈsīn

as in gesture

a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or feeling made a sign for the audience to be quiet

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in symbol

a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader an "and" sign

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sign distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sign are mark, note, symptom, and token. While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

When is it sensible to use mark instead of sign?

The words mark and sign are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could note be used to replace sign?

The synonyms note and sign are sometimes interchangeable, but note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

Where would symptom be a reasonable alternative to sign?

While the synonyms symptom and sign are close in meaning, symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

When can token be used instead of sign?

While in some cases nearly identical to sign, 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 sign

Verb

On Monday, Trump signed an executive order aimed at terminating DEI programs within federal agencies. —

CBS News, 24 Jan. 2025 In August, the city signed a new labor agreement with the union that represents firefighters. —

Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025

Noun

Hundreds of people showed up to help with the search, covering the area surrounding Kesse’s home — but there was still no sign of her. —

Alex Gurley, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025 The 19:35 Bobby McMann played was the second-highest mark of his career, a sign of what’s to come if Knies misses much time. —

James Mirtle, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sign

Verb

Other travelers passed items to the players for them to autograph.

— Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 8 Dec. 2024
The prizes are witty: a toothbrush certified by the American Dental Association, a Matchbox car like the ones the Wet Bandits slip on, an eight-by-ten glossy of Joe Pesci autographed by Macaulay Culkin.

— Erin Somers, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024