symptom

as in manifestation
something that indicates the presence of something else (such as a disease or problem) A sore throat, a runny nose, and frequent sneezing are some of the symptoms of the common cold. Homelessness is only a symptom of larger problems in our society.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word symptom distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of symptom are mark, note, sign, and token. While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Where would mark be a reasonable alternative to symptom?

While in some cases nearly identical to symptom, 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 is note a more appropriate choice than symptom?

The words note and symptom are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

In what contexts can sign take the place of symptom?

Although the words sign and symptom have much in common, sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

When could token be used to replace symptom?

In some situations, the words token and symptom are roughly equivalent. However, 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 symptom Some molds produce mycotoxins, toxic substances that can cause food poisoning symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025 Many people do not experience symptoms from the disease, while others experience fever, muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, according to the WHO. Fernando Ramos and Sanika Tank, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025 In some cases shingles may even prompt gastrointestinal symptoms. Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 17 Apr. 2025 Very high doses—more than 5,000 milligrams per day—can lead to magnesium toxicity, causing more severe symptoms like low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and abnormal heart rate. Alex Yampolsky, Health, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for symptom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symptom
Noun
  • The tilt of recent immigration toward higher skilled workers from Asia is another manifestation of this same pattern.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • But the truly painful manifestation of distaste for Musk has been entirely legal, as consumers have shunned his cars.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And by monitoring her behavior for any signs of complications.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • In 2023 researchers led by Nikku Madhusudhan, an astrophysicist at the University of Cambridge, announced the first signs of dimethyl sulfide in K2-18 b’s atmosphere.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This is highly specific work that depends on each plantation's unique characteristics, including location, soil type, and coffee variety.
    Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Both dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide, which are part of the same chemical group, have overlapping characteristics, which is why the results can’t definitively differentiate between the two molecules, but future observations might, the study authors said.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Symptom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symptom. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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