Thesaurus results for SYMPTOM

Q: How is the word 'symptom' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of symptom are mark , note , sign , and token . While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition. // rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Q: Where would 'mark' be a reasonable alternative to 'symptom'?

While in some cases nearly identical to symptom , 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 is 'note' a more appropriate choice than 'symptom'?

The words note and symptom are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic. // a note of irony in her writing

Q: In what contexts can 'sign' take the place of 'symptom'?

Although the words sign and symptom have much in common, sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason. // encouraging signs for the economy

Q: When could 'token' be used to replace 'symptom'?

In some situations, the words token and symptom are roughly equivalent. However, token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible. // this gift is a token of our esteem

symptom

noun

Definition of symptom

as in manifestation

something that indicates the presence of something else (such as a disease or problem) A sore throat, a runny nose, and frequent sneezing are some of the symptoms of the common cold. Homelessness is only a symptom of larger problems in our society.

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How is the word symptom distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of symptom are mark, note, sign, and token. While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Where would mark be a reasonable alternative to symptom?

While in some cases nearly identical to symptom, 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 is note a more appropriate choice than symptom?

The words note and symptom are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

In what contexts can sign take the place of symptom?

Although the words sign and symptom have much in common, sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

When could token be used to replace symptom?

In some situations, the words token and symptom are roughly equivalent. However, 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 symptom But McCuskey’s behavior is a symptom of a much deeper problem. — Collin Corbett, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Other possible complications include liver disease, allergic reactions, low blood pressure, and, when abruptly discontinued, withdrawal symptoms. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 Millions of women are already describing their health online, in their own words, without a researcher deciding which questions they are allowed to answer or a checklist deciding which symptoms count. — Yulin Hswen, STAT, 27 Aug. 2026 To be effective, the medication should be taken within five days of symptoms developing. — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for symptom

Recent Examples of Synonyms for symptom

Noun

Pursued by monstrous entities and confronted by manifestations of human suffering, Dante and Virgil will eventually come face to face with the Devil himself.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
But as the brand continues to grow, dealing with the manifestation of a dream is quite nice.

— Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of manifestation

Noun

But rather than placing a higher hurdle on the bill, the maneuver is considered a sign of its popularity as a temporary stopgap.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Mars in your sign challenges disciplined Saturn, creating the deeply irritating experience of feeling motivated and blocked at the same time.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of sign

Noun

According to the team, each of those characteristics plays out similarly in real fish of various sizes across different ecological niches.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026
And most simulants of lunar material are faithful in their geological characteristics, to simulate the lunar surface and its dust, rather than the precise chemistry within.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of characteristic

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

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Synonyms of symptom

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