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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to characterize

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to record

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in reputation

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in goal

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in scar

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in effect

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

This marked Connor's first Instagram feed post since the spring of 2023, which was taken on the very same golf course. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025 The duo were both bundled up for cold weather at the Pelican Golf Club, which is located in Belleair, Fla. The social media post marked Connor's first on his Instagram feed since April 2023. —

Nicholas Rice, People.com, 25 Jan. 2025

Noun

And by the 180 day mark, the working group must submit a report to the president with their policy suggestions, including the potential creation and maintenance of a national digital asset stockpile. —

Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 24 Jan. 2025 The wildfires of 2003 and 2007 devastated San Diego County, destroying thousands of homes, displacing families and leaving a lasting mark on our region. —

Jim Desmond, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mark

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mark

Verb

Life on the fringes Kody Clemens is an awkward spot; the Phillies have always labeled him a big-league-caliber player, but that has not precluded them from stashing him in the minors when possible.

— Matt Gelb, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Outspoken against the notion that traditional AOC hierarchies determine quality, Lubbe voluntarily labels all his wines Vin de France.

— Anna Lee C. Iijima, Bon Appétit, 22 Jan. 2025