mark 1 of 2

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

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

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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

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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
The idea of marking the 100th anniversary caught on immediately, according to Bordewich, who wrote a book about the fair. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 1 July 2026 This marks the second time a ship named Juneau has been sunk by Japanese forces; the first, USS Juneau (CL-52), was lost in WWII to an Imperial Japanese Navy submarine, tragically claiming the lives of the Sullivan brothers. Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
Fans, perhaps impatient for something to justify sitting through the sweltering 90-degree heat, started doing the wave around the 18-minute mark. Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 Still, the execution was uneven as other dishes missed the mark. Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mark
Verb
  • Daniela DaSuta, founder of SommSpace in Austin, recommends looking for wines labeled Alto Adige, Collio, Collio Goriziano or Friuli Colli Orientali, all benchmark areas for the variety.
    Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • No date marking was labeled on a container of cooked chicken nuggets or on raw chicken and raw beef inside the walk-in cooler.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • The new style of challenger often rises from outside the traditional civil rights and organizing structures that characterized some communities for decades.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 June 2026
  • These roles, while potentially stable, are characterized by a lack of learning, advancement, or a fear of leaving.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • In France, more than 1,000 excess deaths were recorded during the heat spell, according to the country’s national public health agency.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The person recording the incident briefly turned the camera away after the blast.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • As the escape-room activity kicks off — the guests have 30 minutes to find Aesha’s crew — the boys find plenty of opportunity to make insinuating jokes about tying up the girls, some (Coop) more wholesome than others (Luke).
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026
  • And as a distant relative jokes, many can be found on mortgages, loans and other debts.
    Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The $160 billion global functional drinks market has become an increasingly lucrative category, encompassing multipurpose drinks that claim to promise taste and enjoyment alongside wellness benefits, as consumers look for convenient ways to meet their health targets.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 28 June 2026
  • Tel Aviv — The small drones cruise – undetected – over the skies of southern Lebanon and northern Israel, searching for targets.
    Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Arie has a reputation of advocating for self-empowerment and social consciousness in her music, as well as being outspoken on race and cultural identity issues.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • If the job of a debut album is to introduce an artist to the world, while a sophomore album reinforces their reputation, then a third album offers a channel for artists to expand beyond the familiar tricks and peculiarities that shot them to fame in the first place.
    Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Wellness considerations are increasingly factoring into how families evaluate prospective colleges—not as a soft afterthought but as a primary criterion.
    Scott White, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • Chrysler and Dodge didn’t meet the study’s award criteria.
    Breana Noble, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Balogun matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude's four in the initial tournament in 1930.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Controversial red card looms large The story of the game to that point was Folarin Balogun, who scored a goal in the 45th minute and then was given a controversial red card in the second half.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mark. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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