mark 1 of 2

1
as in to label
to attach an identifying slip to marked each application with a numbered sticker

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to characterize
to be an important feature of an annual event marked mostly by noise and confusion

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

mark

2 of 2

noun

1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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4
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
This will mark the second time the WNBA will be in Detroit. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 The reunion marked the end of a busy week for the group as members RM, V, Jimin and Jung Kook were discharged from their mandatory military service earlier that week, joining already released J-Hope and Jin. Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Noun
Meanwhile, Unicode’s emoji are becoming only more protean: The 💀 has expanded from a mark of disapproval to a sign of amusement (death via laughter). Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025 Fast-forward a decade and the prevailing new high-water mark is now the private suite with sliding doors, expansive entertainment screens and even double beds. Jenny Southan, Wired News, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mark
Verb
  • Some packages labeled as cheese crackers may actually contain peanut butter crackers, posing a risk to those with peanut allergies.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 9 July 2025
  • Before 1969, those men and women in American prisons who took it upon themselves to assist their peers with legal filings were often labeled rule‑breakers and punished.
    Literary Hub July 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The caliber is also characterized by a vertical clutch and column wheel mechanism with chronograph minutes displayed by a central hand that jumps forward every 60 seconds.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Newspapers have characterized the issues as a clash of personalities between the editor and presenter Naga Munchetty, who has herself been accused of making colleagues uncomfortable.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Thibodeaux is the first Giants defender since Jason Pierre-Paul (2010–2012) to record at least 21 sacks within his first three years in the league.
    Victor Williams, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • To share the story of your unsung hero with the Hidden Brain team, record a voice memo on your phone and send it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org.
    Autumn Barnes, NPR, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • She was raised in a society—a West Indian society—that did not put much of a premium on women’s bodies, where any kind of intimacy was a joke.
    Hilton Als, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • And yet the world is too driven by algorithms, too fragmented in its tastes, to ever be on the same page again and get the same jokes.
    Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • As of July 1, 2025, the new target reductions in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels are 30 percent below 2010 levels by 2030 and 90 percent below by 2045.
    Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Elevate Textiles announce the validation of its near-term and net-zero emissions targets by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi).
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Canadians live up their gracious, welcoming reputation, and their desire to make your visit special turns this road trip into a lifelong memory.
    Rebecca Deurlein, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • Real Madrid’s winning reputation is built on their clinical efficiency in both boxes.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • At the same time, interest rates and stricter lending criteria have significantly increased the cost of borrowing, which is often a lifeline for small businesses to grow—and even survive.
    Juliana Berger, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Oswego trustees as a committee of the whole recently discussed the eligibility criteria for the Economic Development Incentive Award grant program in the village.
    Linda Girardi, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • After being shut out in the group stage opener, Man City's superstar Erling Haaland has caught fire, scoring a goal in each of their past two matches.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • While the goal is often to shield the team from stress or failure, this approach can be counterproductive.
    Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mark. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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