Synonyms of sign

sign 1 of 2

verb

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

• autograph
• pen
• ink
• register
• subscribe
• author
• endorse
• scribble
• countersign
• sign up
• sign on
• inscribe
• pencil (in)
• cosign
• scrawl
• scratch (out)
• notarize

sign

2 of 2

noun

ˈsīn 

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

• gesture
• signal
• wave
• posture
• gesticulation
• mime
• indication
• pantomime
• motion
• shrug
• body language
• beck
• sign language
• flourish
• beckon

2

as in symbol

a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader

an "and" sign

Synonyms & Similar Words

• symbol
• letter
• glyph
• icon
• character
• numeral
• cipher
• hieroglyph
• pictogram
• pictograph
• rune
• ideogram

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

Recent Examples of sign

Verb

The two sources said the timing of the Chambliss decision, which made finding a transfer quarterback an immediate priority for Ole Miss, played a role in the delay of getting Lagway officially signed. —Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026

America’s ratification that year broke a logjam of inaction by nations that had signed the agreement but were wary about actually ratifying it as a legal document. —Gary W. Yohe, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2026

Noun

Foundation Issues Cracks, gaps, and other signs of foundation settlement are sure to scare potential buyers according to Sain Rhodes, a real estate professional and a customer success manager at Clever Offers. —Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026

Still, the study’s findings challenge the emphasis on early signs of high performance that elite schools, conservatories and youth sport academies often look for when recruiting talent. —Jake Angelo, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026

Phrases Containing sign

• Indian sign
• sign (up or on)
• sign on (for)
• sign up (for)