sign 1 of 2

as in to autograph
to write one's name on (as a document) you'll have to sign the contract for it to be legal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sign

2 of 2

noun

1
as in gesture
a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or feeling made a sign for the audience to be quiet

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in symbol
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader an "and" sign

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sign distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sign are mark, note, symptom, and token. While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

When is it sensible to use mark instead of sign?

The words mark and sign are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could note be used to replace sign?

The synonyms note and sign are sometimes interchangeable, but note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

Where would symptom be a reasonable alternative to sign?

While the synonyms symptom and sign are close in meaning, symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

When can token be used instead of sign?

While in some cases nearly identical to sign, 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 sign
Verb
Cinetic has signed filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson for management and will help launch an original slate of non-fiction films. Brent Lang, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025 Cate Blanchett co-signed the loafer trend when she was photographed wearing them at the Venice Film Festival, and Jennifer Garner and Meghan Markle embraced crossbody bags with their own variations. Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
Banners and signs must be hand-held and may not obstruct the view of other guests or PHX Arena advertising signage or be temporarily or permanently affixed to the building structure. Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025 In mid-November 2019, authorities checked the hospitals again, but there was still no sign of Paula. Veronica Fulton, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sign
Verb
  • At the other end of the cultural spectrum, Bal Thackeray, cartoonist and founder of the Shiv Sena, the Hindu militant organization in Mumbai, received Michael Jackson at his home in 1996 and boasted afterward that the pop star had used and then autographed his lavatory.
    Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Mahomes is also padding his long list of sponsors, partnering with Airbnb and Hublot and agreeing to autograph Panini trading cards for the first time in five years.
    Brett Knight, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Hunt did Butker no favors when the throat-slash gesture after his touchdown run in the fourth quarter drew an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Not all Jews welcomed the gesture.
    Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Milei, who took office in 2023, is a hardline libertarian known for wielding a chainsaw during campaign events — a not-so-subtle symbol of his pledge to cut through regulations and slash government spending.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Intellectual property refers to creative works such as designs, symbols and names that are legally protected by the inventor, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Nicki Cortese, who also penned the script with Nick Inglis, will produce with Wayne Marc Godfrey for Bright White Light (Runner), which also is financing the film.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Steiner has penned other hits like The Kings of the Ice series and Red Zone Rivals series — which includes 2022's Blind Side.
    Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sign. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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