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
The Golden State Valkyries were building a facility before ever signing a player as the league’s first expansion team since 2008, and Connecticut is the only team in the WNBA without access to a practice facility outside their arena or public plans to build one. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025 As of last month, more than two hundred very rich people in thirty countries had signed the pledge. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
Noun
Prune any dead branches that show no signs of recovery. Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025 Economists have been heartened by signs that the White House appears ready to scale back tariffs. Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sign
Verb
  • The fan can bring one guest with them, along with up to four items for Simmons to autograph.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • New to this year’s Fan Zone is the opportunity to bid on authentic Chiefs items autographed by many of the team’s superstars.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Gentle affectionate gestures usually are the prelude to intimacy, like a hand on your back, a caress on the cheek or even just cuddling in bed.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • Rather, there’s a mutually healing trajectory to this strange, secretive summer of playing house, and Petzold observes its gradual onset in fine details of gesture, expression and domestic routine — and its lapses when people fall intermittently out of character.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The Turtle, Niagara Falls, New York, completed in 1981 by Arapaho architect Dennis Sun Rhodes, the building, which has been vacant for three decades, stands as a powerful symbol of Indigenous heritage.
    Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 8 May 2025
  • Usually the Cardinals really want the conclave to wrap up in as little votes as possible, as a symbol of church unity.
    Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • The song, penned by Lambert and Wilson alongside award-winning singer-songwriter Brandy Clark, debuted at Thursday evening's ACM Awards broadcast on Prime Video.
    Marcus K. Dowling, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Akil went on to pen stories, later majoring in journalism at Northwestern University and, well, the rest is history.
    Candice Frederick, Refinery29, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sign. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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