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

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

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as in to record

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in goal

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

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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

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as in scar

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

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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

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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

Sunset Lakes Elementary would be reconfigured as a K-8 school, but is not currently marked for closure. — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 His death marks the loss of one of film and theater’s most distinctive performers. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Noun

Now, Anthropic acknowledges that its marks are signals, not definitive proof of AI-generation. — New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026 Bitcoin is back Bitcoin has crossed the $80,000 mark for the first time since May. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mark

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mark

Verb

OpenAI said Monday that its ads are clearly labeled and do not influence ChatGPT's answers.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Now it's been labeled it a tool for domestic terrorism, USA TODAY has learned.

— Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of label

Verb

Phoenix characterized the chips, established the programming approach, and verified the resulting devices before delivery.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Blanche and the president have characterized those cases as politically motivated.

— Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of characterize

Verb

The singer recorded her appearance on the show earlier this month, only hours before being hospitalized for appendicitis.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
Chase Lloyd recorded two interceptions last year, while Ah’Mare Lee finished with an interception and 12 passes defended.

— John Devine, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of record

Noun

Transits are what revealed most of the more than 6,000 exoplanets now known, and Roman’s planners expect the bulge’s target-rich environment to yield on order of 100,000 more.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 29 Aug. 2026
As a kinetic interceptor, Seeker appears designed to physically strike its target rather than rely on a conventional air-defense warhead.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of target

Noun

It is anticipated that the new complex would include a wide range of amenities, further solidifying Palmares' reputation as a destination where golf is just the beginning.

— Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Angst over Meta’s public reputation likely played a role in the decision to settle so early, experts said.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of reputation

Noun

Here are the stocks that met that criteria and were also up more than 5% on the week.

— Tobias Burns, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
The tropical disturbance influencing Sunday's forecast is expected to move west, dropping the probability of weather violating launch criteria to about 30% — offering a 70% chance of acceptable conditions.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of criterion

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maritime

mark

mark down

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Mark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mark. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of mark

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noun

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Synonyms of mark

verb

noun

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Phrases Containing mark

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Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on mark

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

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A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

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