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

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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
The Chiefs signed Hunt, who led the team with 728 rushing yards last season, to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million for 2025. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2025 Read more: Steelers Get Surprising Update on Aaron Rodgers Situation To help fix the issues at running back, the Cowboys signed both Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Noun
Phillips had a setback in his recovery, but all signs are positive for everyone else. Peter O’Malley, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025 This is a fabulous day for romance and warm, loving relations with others, because the Moon is in your sign, lined up with Venus in your sign, which is also close to Neptune in your sign. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sign
Verb
  • The fan can bring one guest with them, along with up to four items for Simmons to autograph.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • New to this year’s Fan Zone is the opportunity to bid on authentic Chiefs items autographed by many of the team’s superstars.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Additionally, the avatar can pass the human test by using gestures, body language, and other elements of human interaction.
    Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The gesture, broadcast everywhere locally, sent a clear signal to the outside world.
    Anthony Slater, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • John Brink, a Rand McNally cartographer, came up with a solution: Creating symbols for highways that were printed on the road maps and also put on signs attached to electrical and telephone poles along those roads.
    Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • In one respect, at least—as a symbol for present-day America—the vehicle really could not be improved.
    Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Daughtry is also a New York Times bestselling author, having penned All This Time, and co-authored, with Iaconis and Rachael Lippincott, the #1 bestseller Five Feet Apart — which was adapted from Daughtry and Iaconis’ screenplay of the same name.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 May 2025
  • But that was true six years ago when Aaron McKinney, an African American millennial and member of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party Executive Committee, penned an editorial about the importance of the party opening their primaries.
    John Opdycke, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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