mark 1 of 2

verb

Definition of marknext
1
as in to label
to attach an identifying slip to marked each application with a numbered sticker

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2
as in to characterize
to be an important feature of an annual event marked mostly by noise and confusion

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3
as in to record
to make a written note of mark down the names of those who are planning to attend the dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

mark

2 of 2

noun

ˈmärk How to pronounce mark (audio)
1
as in joke
a person or thing that is made fun of in the wake of the scandal, the disgraced governor became the favorite mark of late-night comedians

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in target
a person or thing that is the object of abuse, criticism, or ridicule his gullibility and tendency to fall for bluffs made him an easy mark at the poker table

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3
as in reputation
overall quality as seen or judged by people in general a brand of crystal that bears the mark of excellence

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in criterion
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared lately his playing hasn't been up to the mark expected of a concert pianist

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5
as in goal
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish set marks for expected daily output

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in feature
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind a sensitive expression that is the mark of a poet

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7
as in scar
something that spoils the appearance or completeness of a thing a small mark where the car had scraped a wall

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in effect
the power to bring about a result on another a person of some mark in the field of evolutionary biology

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mark distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mark are note, sign, symptom, and token. While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," 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 can note be used instead of mark?

In some situations, the words note and mark are roughly equivalent. However, note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

When would sign be a good substitute for mark?

The synonyms sign and mark are sometimes interchangeable, but sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

In what contexts can symptom take the place of mark?

The meanings of symptom and mark largely overlap; however, symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

When is token a more appropriate choice than mark?

While in some cases nearly identical to mark, token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible.

this gift is a token of our esteem

How is the word mark distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mark are note, sign, symptom, and token. While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," 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 can note be used instead of mark?

In some situations, the words note and mark are roughly equivalent. However, note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

When would sign be a good substitute for mark?

The synonyms sign and mark are sometimes interchangeable, but sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

In what contexts can symptom take the place of mark?

The meanings of symptom and mark largely overlap; however, symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

When is token a more appropriate choice than mark?

While in some cases nearly identical to mark, 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 mark
Verb
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images On hand to mark the occasion was 39 Grand Slam-winning tennis great and trailblazer Billie Jean King. —Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026 Other worldwide highlights include the franchise having now delivered the two biggest global openings ever for a video game adaptation, as well as marking Universal’s fifth-biggest global opening ever behind Super Mario. —Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
The sell-off marks a massive fall from grace for the shoe company, which began as a direct-to-consumer (DTC) fashion brand before opening brick-and-mortar locations. —Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 3 Apr. 2026 Doncic, who has played in 64 games this season, one short of the 65-game mark needed to qualify for MVP and All-NBA honors among postseason awards, didn’t return to play Thursday. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mark
  1. label
  2. characterize
  3. record
  4. joke
  5. target
  6. reputation
  7. criterion
  8. goal
Verb
  • At the Farm graduation ceremony, envelopes labelled with the first name and last initial of each new officer were placed on a large table.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Otherwise, you might be labeled a no-show (and the airline could cancel your entire itinerary).
    — Bill Chappell, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026
Definition of label
Verb
  • Afterward, a student in the audience complained to his parents that, at the event, the deaths of Palestinian civilians had been characterized as collateral damage—a regrettable but unavoidable consequence of the battle against Hamas.
    — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • That message, closely aligned with how Trump has characterized his own legal battles, was also front and center in Paxton’s remarks at the Ronald Reagan dinner Friday night.
    — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026
Definition of characterize
Verb
  • Woo yielded one hit over seven brilliant innings, setting down his last 12 batters and recording six strikeouts while matching the longest scoreless start of his career.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The right-hander faced eight batters and recorded one out, walking four batters and allowing four runs.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of record
Noun
  • No this is not a joke…Retro Weather Channel is officially back!
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The response to the outcry led to even more jokes online.
    — Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of joke
Noun
  • During setup, the app recommended a daily calorie target based on my goal and activity level.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Apr. 2026
  • That marked the only goal for Boise despite controlling 68% of the possession and putting six shots on target to Spokane’s two.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026
Definition of target
Noun
  • Then, the spotlight shifts onto your ambitions, with Mars entering Aries on April 9, energizing your 10th house of boss moves and reputation, followed by a new moon that sets the stage for a fresh start in your career.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Mitski’s own reputation may have contributed as well, as a rowdier, more chaotic artist and audience probably wouldn’t have gotten the green light.
    — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of reputation
Noun
  • Before this, no one in the field had established criteria for what should be included in the archaeological record of dice.
    — Evan Bush, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Financial hardship criteria CNC status is reserved for taxpayers facing a challenging financial situation.
    — Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of criterion
Noun
  • Hosting the biggest weekend in college basketball would be ideal, Orr and Wood of Sacramento State said, a goal shared by Visit Sacramento.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In 73 career regular-season games with the Sirens and Ottawa Charge, Roese has accumulated 25 points (3 goals, 22 assists).
    — Twin Cities, Twin Cities, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of goal

Phrases Containing mark

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maritime
mark
mark down
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Cite this Entry

“Mark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mark. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mark

Nglish: Translation of mark for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mark

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