as in reminder
something that serves to keep alive the memory of a person or event please accept this parting gift as a token of our lasting affection

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word token distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of token are mark, note, sign, and symptom. While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible.

this gift is a token of our esteem

When might mark be a better fit than token?

In some situations, the words mark and token are roughly equivalent. However, 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 token?

The words note and token can be used in similar contexts, but note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

When would sign be a good substitute for token?

While the synonyms sign and token are close in meaning, sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

Where would symptom be a reasonable alternative to token?

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

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

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 token On that same token, the Raiders also don't appear eager to hand Meyers an extension. Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 Trump family gains $5 billion from crypto ventures On paper, the Trumps are holding $5 billion in digital assets after their token, WLFI, was made available for trading on the open market. Phil Wahba, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025 So this project is really a token of gratitude to my fans. Rob Ledonne, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2025 The firm regularly surprises all employees with tokens of appreciation, large and small, through bonuses, gift cards, free lunches and snacks, care packages, team building events and more. Brendan Le, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for token
Recent Examples of Synonyms for token
Noun
  • Some buildings downtown offer harrowing reminders of this dark history.
    Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Tanks rumbled through Tiananmen Square, a location that offered a stark reminder of how authoritarian states can violently crush democratic movements.
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Now, with two memorials in the Queen City, placed 51 years after the crash that affected so many families, it will long be remembered.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Mourners, many of whom were visibly upset and wearing Walmart uniforms, placed electric candles at the memorial.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Token.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/token. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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