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

Relevance
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
3
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

5
6
7
8

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
Ukraine’s biggest missile project If confirmed, the Flamingo would mark Ukraine’s most ambitious missile development. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2025 The strong results for sit-down restaurants marks a turnaround after 2024 saw the most bankruptcies for the sector since the pandemic. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 19 Aug. 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
Verb
  • Stock image of a person labeling a package for shipment.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Instead of labeling someone as unwilling, leaders can ask questions to uncover what is behind hesitation.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
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
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
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
Noun
  • Not in our communities, but protecting assets & high priority targets downtown so that our @Chicago_Police don’t have to babysit the Bean or Buckingham Fountain for eight hours a day.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The fear of becoming a target will often be enough to induce compliance in advance.
    Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
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
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
Noun
  • Their goal was to find an IP address — the unique identifier assigned to every cell phone and computer — that could reveal the source.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Krystian Rafacz delivered the game-winning goal in overtime for the Porters (4-0).
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mark. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mark

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!