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

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

Chevron, Maraven sign heavy oil agreement | Oil & Gas Journal Adjusted for inflation, that would be about $4 billion but probably only half or $2 billion would have been upfront investment. — Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Back then, bands would make seven-inch singles and sign to an independent label, put stickers up on the walls of the clubs and all that. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026

Noun

That, after all, is the sign of team who needs to consistently churn the bottom of their roster in order to find gems. — Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026 The Taylor cone was a sign that the electric field between a drop and metal had gotten strong enough to deform water. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sign

Verb

Parton autographed the artwork and performed several songs for airmen and their families at the event.

— Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Their one-of-one 2006-07 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection dual NBA Logoman patch autographed (ungraded) card sold for $10 million, which is by far James’ most expensive.

— Larry Holder, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of autograph

Noun

The moment taps a broader wartime tradition in Ukraine, where heroic dogs, cats and rescuers become national emblems — and American gestures of solidarity carry growing political weight.

— Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
In a gesture of peace, al Sharaa enshrined key rights for Kurds via presidential decree, such as protection of the Kurdish language and recognition of Kurdish holidays.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of gesture

Noun

As her anger and resistance grow, her body begins to transform into porcelain, becoming a powerful symbol of her silent rebellion and her fight to reclaim her own identity.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
But Pete took the idea one step further, taking the organization’s iconic symbol — the star — and suffusing it with a deeper meaning.

— Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of symbol

Browse Nearby Words

sightseers

sign

signal

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sign. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of sign

verb

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on sign

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

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

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

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

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of sign

verb

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing sign

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to sign

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on sign

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

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

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

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

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes