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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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

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
The film marks a buzzy return to the theatrical features for Belgian director and producer Frank Van Passel, best known for Cannes breakout and Oscar entry Mannekin Pis and Villa des Roses, with more recent credits including mystery thriller series Moresnet. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2026 The restoration, spearheaded by the Film Heritage Foundation at L’Immagine Ritrovata’s laboratory in association with NFDC and the National Film Archive of India, marks the organization’s first presentation at the festival. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
Calling Converge veterans of the Boston metalcore scene might be an understatement; their new album Love Is Not Enough marks their 36th year playing together. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026 There’s several marks on her neck. —Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 13 Feb. 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
  • How to Store Neiman Marcus Cake Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or label and freeze up to 3 months.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
  • When a step is phone-only or significantly different on mobile, it is clearly labeled.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of label
Verb
  • Critics including Sacramento State students have at times characterized Wood as focused too closely on university athletics at the expense of academics, while Wood has repeatedly touted FBS promotion as a worthwhile investment.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The affordability crisis characterized by rising rents, stagnant wages and a shortage of affordable housing is driving instability, homelessness and longer commutes.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of characterize
Verb
  • Another video recorded by straphangers aboard a train passing through the station shows the killer shove Dawodu, who collapses to the platform covered in blood.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Winner of three consecutive Eastern Conference rookie of the month awards to begin his career, Knueppel is the fastest player to record 100 career 3-pointers made, accomplishing the feat in 29 games.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of record
Noun
  • Talk about the weather, add some jokes in there about some of the guys on the team and just stuff like that.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The event, held at the Montana Hotel in Pétion-Ville, was the butt of jokes on social media amid questions over the group’s authority to act.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of joke
Noun
  • Or, indeed, anyone else’s, given its alluring but thoroughly peculiar jumble of comic, dramatic and generally antic tones, or the increasingly indeterminate target of its hollow social satire.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
  • An app can also control modes and track real-time data—recording trips via GPS, monitoring performance metrics, and adjusting power output to help maintain a target heart rate.
    — Kendall Hunter, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of target
Noun
  • In 2020, Hubbard sued several student activists for defamation, accusing them of damaging his academic reputation and mental wellbeing in their campaign for his removal from campus.
    — Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The Basque Country's culinary reputation means places like San Sebastián filled early, but nearby alternatives like Vitoria still have scattered availability.
    — Ryan Craggs, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of reputation
Noun
  • The committee uses 12 criteria to determine who belongs in the field and where teams should be seeded.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Not everyone meets the criteria for admittance to certain facilities.
    — Mark Reynolds, The Providence Journal, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of criterion
Noun
  • If your goal is to get at the truth, or at least our closest approximation of it at the present time, the way to do that is to be scrupulous and forthright about the strengths and weaknesses of every link in your chain of argument.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The goal of any action, however, remains something of a mystery.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Feb. 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 16 Feb. 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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