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
On June 22, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott signed the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA) into law. Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 On Monday, Trump signed an executive order delaying the tariff deadline until Aug. 1. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 July 2025
Noun
These are classic signs of your abandonment issues taking over: You’ve been blindsided before, so your brain is trying to protect you by anticipating the worst—even when things are actually fine. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 21 July 2025 But for some, that burning sensation extends down their throat and into their chest, and could be the sign of something more serious, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sign
Verb
  • The Bengals Bar & Kitchen's display wall has autographed footballs from a few past and present members of the team, including Burrow, Chase and former offensive lineman Dave Lapham.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • The author autographed an Eras Tour book for the little girl who had a brain tumor removed in September.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • In an unprecedented diplomatic gesture, the United Kingdom’s royal family will welcome President Donald Trump for a second state visit this fall.
    Brendan Rascius July 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • Witnesses described two identical incidents in which a man approached two children, ages 4 and 6, and made inappropriate gestures at them before being chased away by witnesses, police said.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • However, when the election was over, the couple began to seriously contemplate its symbol but left it up.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
  • For many American adults, buying a home for the first time is a key financial achievement, as well as a symbol of independence.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • In his new interview with Andrew Callaghan, Hunter offered a particularly scathing takedown of George Clooney, who famously penned an op-ed for The New York Times in July 2024 that publicly urged Biden to drop out of the race.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 21 July 2025
  • Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Sergio Mendes have also sung lyrics penned by the pair.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sign. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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