mark 1 of 2

verb

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

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

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3
as in to record
to make a written note of mark down the names of those who are planning to attend the dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

mark

2 of 2

noun

ˈmärk How to pronounce mark (audio)
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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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3
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
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

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5
as in goal
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish set marks for expected daily output

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
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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7
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
8
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
The driver’s death marks the 57th traffic fatality of 2025 in Kansas City compared to 80 at this time last year, DiMartino said. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2025 The seven-time world champion has failed to score a podium finish this season, marking the longest drought of his 18-year F1 career. —Luke Smith, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
In the decade since its debut, that sneakily idiosyncratic show with oddball plots and winning performances by beloved characters has slowly but surely made its mark. —Claire McNear, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025 This is the main place travelers to Istanbul visit, and with good reason—the layered empires that dominated Istanbul all left their mark right here. —Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mark
  1. label
  2. characterize
  3. record
  4. joke
  5. target
  6. reputation
  7. criterion
  8. goal
Verb
  • Create a note and label the dishes so everyone knows where everything goes.
    — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Most of the products are labeled as remedies for common complaints.
    — Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 11 Nov. 2025
Definition of label
Verb
  • Steering away from the Banda music that has characterized her sound and biggest hits, the Mexican-American singer experiments with reggae, R&B, and folk cumbia on this eight-track set that also includes powerful audio affirmations by the singer.
    — Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The two-hour-plus interview was characterized by Carlson’s failure to directly challenge Fuentes’s points.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of characterize
Verb
  • Dak Brinkley shows pass rushing ability KU freshman defensive end Dak Brinkley recorded the first two sacks of his college career on back-to-back plays in the second quarter.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The Hornets have recorded five or more sacks five times this season.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 9 Nov. 2025
Definition of record
Noun
  • The comedy is a tonal mess, veering between underdeveloped jokes and unearned sentiment.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
  • How did Joy nearly die in the wilderness of Colorado, a place that, in a joke the film keeps repeating, is almost all white people?
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Definition of joke
Noun
  • For English language arts, which includes reading, writing, speaking and listening, the district came one percentage point shy of the state average, with 49% of students meeting their individualized growth targets.
    — Dmitry Martirosov, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2025
  • DeVonta Smith is the top target for Hurts with 44 receptions for 588 yards and two scores, while tight end Dallas Goedert has seven TD catches.
    — Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Definition of target
Noun
  • Zwicky, which scans the night sky with a wide-field camera, has a reputation of enabling astronomers to discover transients or fleeting cosmic phenomena, such as quickly flaring supernovae.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Each partnership underscores the home’s growing reputation as a hub for connection, celebration, and cultural impact.
    — Essence, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
Definition of reputation
Noun
  • Interest in marching in the parade was so intense that organizers implemented rigorous selection criteria like the quality of the horses’ grooming, saddles, tack, and the riders’ appearance.
    — Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Tesla shareholders have approved a conditional pay package for CEO Elon Musk that could unlock up to a trillion dollars in stock if the company meets specific criteria, according to preliminary results from the annual shareholder meeting.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
Definition of criterion
Noun
  • Trump’s goal could be to rally a majority of the world’s countries to call for an immediate and unconditional cease-fire, with details on implementation to be worked out by the parties.
    — Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Some of the choices at the deli counter are better for certain health needs and goals than others.
    — Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 11 Nov. 2025
Definition of goal

Phrases Containing mark

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maritime
mark
mark down
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Cite this Entry

“Mark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mark. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mark

Nglish: Translation of mark for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mark

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