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

Relevance

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
Due to the immersive nature of most of the activities, parents and guardians will have to sign a waiver on behalf of their kids. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 23 July 2025 President Grover Cleveland signed a congressional act to make Labor Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1894. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 23 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
  • Before Lopez could really respond to the gesture, the skirt fell to the ground, leaving Lopez on stage in a shiny pair of gold underwear.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 July 2025
  • Some posed for photos, others made rude gestures, and many simply stared.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 27 July 2025
Noun
  • The continent’s record-breaking visitor numbers are now straining local resources and sparking a backlash from residents as the familiar sight of suitcases rattling on cobblestones and selfie-snappers jostling for position has become a symbol of the strain.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • Specifically saying these white, thin, traditionally feminine bodies are not just aspirational but symbols of morality, tradition, purity.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 31 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
  • The Bergmans, who penned hundreds of songs, mostly for movies and TV, bridged the traditional Great American Songbook era of Rodgers & Hart, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin with the more modern pop sensibility of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.
    Jon Burlingame, Variety, 18 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sign. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sign

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!