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

Examples 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

After another decade of armed struggle, in the spring of 1994, the Good Friday Agreement was signed through a peace process negotiated by Gerry Adams himself. —

Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024 The safety cleared waivers Wednesday and by Thursday had signed back with Denver’s practice squad and was out at practice working. —

Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024

Noun

There were no stumps, no signs of previous logging. —

April Ehrlich, ProPublica, 12 Nov. 2024 There are zero signs of sweat beading anywhere on his body. —

Jen Chaney, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sign

Verb

Tickets are $22; a VIP upgrade, $17, includes preferred seating (five minutes before general admission), a stage pass and post-show digital photos with cast members, a show poster autographed by the cast and 25% off concessions.

Eric E. Harrison, arkansasonline.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Started in 1979, The Hollywood Show is a large pop culture event currently held four times a year in Los Angeles during which actors, writers, performers and various celebrities interact with fans while autographing merchandise and taking photos.

Anne Easton, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024