Synonyms of sign

sign 1 of 3

verb (1)

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 3

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

sign (up or on)

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to employ

to provide with a paying job

the sports shoe company recently signed up the nation's top female college basketball player to plug its products

Synonyms & Similar Words

• employ
• hire
• recruit
• engage
• lay on
• pay
• take on
• fee
• place
• retain
• assume
• job
• enlist
• partner
• keep (on)
• reemploy
• contract
• promote
• rehire
• reengage
• upgrade
• subcontract
• apprentice
• advance
• scout
• headhunt

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• can
• dismiss
• sack
• discharge
• ax
• fire
• lay off
• lock out
• furlough

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 team signed running back Miles Davis and defensive tackle Tywone Malone following a successful workout, a league source told The Charlotte Observer. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 18 May 2026

The deal, laid out in a document signed by acting attorney general Todd Blanche, could result in taxpayer payouts to the president’s allies. —Jeremy Roebuck, Washington Post, 18 May 2026

Noun

The company was hit by the US sanctions last month – in a sign that Washington is willing to come after bigger players. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 12 May 2026

Curiosity has shown signs of damage for years NASA has for years been aware that Mars' unforgiving terrain is capable of doing some serious damage to its billion-dollar vehicle. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 May 2026

Phrases Containing sign

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