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
Today, New York’s governor signed an executive order to allow pharmacists to prescribe and administer COVID-19 vaccines, even without ACIP’s okay. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025 Trump will sign an executive order reverting to the Department of War as a secondary name for the Defense Department. Zac Anderson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
As the street sign was unveiled, the brotherhood that has defined New Edition was undeniable. Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025 It’s known to be a single individual for one telltale sign – a distinctive bent digit. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sign
Verb
  • The most prominent object is a framed Ohtani Angels jersey, autographed by the ballplayer to Bowyer’s four-year-old son.
    DAVID AMSDEN, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The lucky few have received boxes containing paper invitations and footballs autographed in gold pen by the two Super Bowl champs.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Even five seconds of eye contact and a physical gesture, such as a hand squeeze or a forehead kiss, can communicate far more than words alone.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The change in image on Donna's Facebook profile was the mother-in-law-to-be's first public gesture after Travis and Swift's engagement.
    Sarah Jones, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • By the 1980s, Armani suits became a power symbol for American businessmen thanks in part to the brand’s prominence in pop culture.
    Colleen Kratofil, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
  • But the rush to make sense of the shooting based on these messages and symbols is misguided.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Reddit/u/My_Heirloom_Tomatoes Not much happened in the immediate aftermath of Joanne penning the message.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Sakaguchi Riko penned the screenplay, with music by Yasukawa Goro.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sign. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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