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

Relevance

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

Meanwhile, Incognito signed with the Buffalo Bills after his suspension was lifted by the league. —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025 And, during his first term, Donald Trump signed a whopping 220 executive orders, while Biden signed 162 of them during his term. —

Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025

Noun

Since then, Georgia’s government has shown little sign of shifting its course, which many in the former Soviet country feel is taking the country back into the Kremlin’s orbit. —

Elizabeth McBride, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025 Over the past three months, the consumer price index has increased at an annual rate of 4.5% — a sign that inflation is heating up again after having cooled for much of 2024. —

Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sign

Verb

The silent auction includes jerseys, helmets and footballs autographed by players including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, Isiah Pacheco, JuJu Smith-Schuster and others.

— The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 Jan. 2025
Twenty pairs will come with a card autographed by Harper.

— Brooks Peck, The Athletic, 29 July 2024