symptom

as in manifestation
something that indicates the presence of something else (such as a disease or problem) A sore throat, a runny nose, and frequent sneezing are some of the symptoms of the common cold. Homelessness is only a symptom of larger problems in our society.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word symptom distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of symptom are mark, note, sign, and token. While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Where would mark be a reasonable alternative to symptom?

While in some cases nearly identical to symptom, 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 is note a more appropriate choice than symptom?

The words note and symptom are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

In what contexts can sign take the place of symptom?

Although the words sign and symptom have much in common, sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

When could token be used to replace symptom?

In some situations, the words token and symptom are roughly equivalent. However, 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 symptom The two conditions share symptoms, triggers, and treatment: Eating Gluten Triggers Symptoms In both celiac disease and gluten intolerance, gluten consumption triggers symptoms. Sarah Bence, Health, 28 Feb. 2025 The research, conducted by Mira—a fertility device and women’s health company—and based on a survey of 2,260 women between the ages of 18 and 70, found that almost a quarter of women in the U.S. have either quit or have considered quitting work due to hormonal health symptoms. Josie Cox, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Nasal washes and rinses are meant to temporarily ease symptoms of cold and flu, sinusitis, and allergies. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Feb. 2025 In November 2023, the pontiff underwent a CT scan of his lungs due to flu-like symptoms, Vatican News reported. Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for symptom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symptom
Noun
  • Newgate Prison, situated in London’s city center, had long been the target of scrutiny as one of the most infamous manifestations of Victorian punitive ideology.
    Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The gathering in Kragujevac is just one manifestation of the largest popular revolt in Serbia since the overthrow of Slobodan Milošević, in which students played a key role.
    Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Officials have said no signs of foul play are apparent, and an autopsy found no external trauma to either Hackman or Arakawa.
    Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2025
  • These signs include avoiding each other or keeping their distance, swiping, biting, dilated pupils, flattened ears, hissing, litter box guarding, urinating outside of the litter box, territorial aggression, and toy hoarding.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • While the speech shares many characteristics with a State of the Union address, this presentation is slightly different in nature.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Yale researchers want to speak with Central Floridians affected by 1,4-dioxane The Florida Geological Survey also uncovered an insidious characteristic of this chemical combination: 1,1-DCE inhibits the natural degradation of 1,4-dioxane, allowing its spread.
    Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Symptom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symptom. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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