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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
His first collection will debut on Thursday during New York Fashion Week, which will mark the brand’s first appearance on the fashion calendar. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025 Two rare Florida panthers were found dead from vehicle collisions a day apart, marking 14 deaths for the species this year. —Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
The horror genre last crossed the $1 billion mark in 2023. —Itzel Luna, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025 The listing marks the first time an LGBTQ pilgrimage has been included in the Vatican’s Jubilee program. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 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
  • Landasoft software alerted police when flagged people did anything labeled suspicious, like going out at night or logging on the internet repeatedly.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
  • After the federal No Child Left Behind Act passed in 2001 and schools in some high-poverty areas did not perform well on annual standardized tests, many were labeled failing and in need of drastic reforms.
    — Mila Koumpilova, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of label
Verb
  • In an essay published in Vogue, longtime magazine editor Anna Wintour characterized Armani as a steely, dedicated and, above all, innovative force in the fashion industry.
    — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In a 69-page ruling, Judge Edward Chen of the Northern District of California characterized the decision of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to end TPS for Haiti and Venezuela as capricious, arbitrary and beyond the scope of her authority.
    — Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of characterize
Verb
  • The improvements came in the passing attack, with wideout Javen Nicholas recording a career-best 11 catches for 122 yards, coming just one shy of tying Austin Duke’s program reception record of 12.
    — Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Chaminade alum Donta Simpson recorded two tackles including a split tackle for loss.
    — Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of record
Noun
  • Related Stories Farrelly thinks that kind of oppressive political correctness is fading and that audiences are eager to see movies that eviscerate good taste in order to land a joke again.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
  • What started as a joke soon turned into a tourism draw that put Lajitas on the map.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of joke
Noun
  • Over the last three years both Teck and Anglo have been takeover targets for their mining rivals, Australia’s BHP and Swiss-based Glencore.
    — Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The signatories — which included the likes of EV manufacturers Volvo and Polestar, as well as material suppliers, battery manufacturers and grid operators — said the introduction of the target had already triggered hundreds of billions of euros in new investment.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of target
Noun
  • Richard Hughes’ reputation is at an all-time high, given the success of his negotiations with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk last season, allied with his successful pursuits of Wirtz, Isak, Hugo Ekitike, et al.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Combining a western visual lexicon with deeply specific national themes, Sholay’s reputation has only grown over the intervening half-century since it was made.
    — Christina Newland, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of reputation
Noun
  • What was the selection criteria?
    — Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Bondi, 59, intervened in a number of cases to alter the criteria for granting asylum in her role as the head of the immigration-court system, The Wall Street Journal reported.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of criterion
Noun
  • Create a list of 20-30 companies aligned with your career goals.
    — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • China’s already reached its goal of getting 300 million people involved.
    — Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of goal

Phrases Containing mark

Browse Nearby Words

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 12 Sep. 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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